Prevalence of Xerostomia in Population‐based Samples: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The consequences of xerostomia on oral health have been studied for decades; however, the actual prevalence of this disorder on the general population remains controversial. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of xerostomia in population-based samples. Electronic databases were screened for relevant articles and reference lists of pertinent articles were also hand-searched. Thirteen articles meeting the final inclusion criteria were identified. Based on the definition of xerostomia used in this review, only publications including a subjective diagnosis of the disorder were included. All of the self-reported diagnoses were achieved through a questionnaire either by mail, telephone, interview or self-administered by the patient. There was a variation across papers regarding number and content of the questions as well as guidelines for the diagnosis of xerostomia (i.e. answer yes to one or more than one question). The prevalence of xerostomia in the selected articles ranged from 0.9% to 64.8%. The majority of these studies were performed in Scandinavia. In 9 of the articles, the studied samples were 50 years and older. None of the studies evaluated the prevalence xerostomia among individuals younger than 18 years. Based on these observations, it can be concluded that there is a need for population-based studies on prevalence of xerostomia in regions other than Scandinavia. A standardized protocol to diagnose xerostomia needs to be developed. Patient-perceived treatment needs and impact on quality of life should be included to have a complete picture of public health implications of the disease.

Prevalence of Xerostomia and its Related Factors in Patients Referred to Zahedan Dental School in Iran

“…In the present study, antihistamines and bronchodilators more than other pharmaceutical groups can cause xerostomia. Orellana (13) and Murray Thomson et al (9) achieved similar results too. Although in our study the influence of bronchodilators on xerostomia was more noticeable, other studies often have pointed that tranquilizers and antidepressants caused xerostomia (7,10,16).…”

“…The prevalence of xerostomia in the studied population was 35.8%. The results of a systematic review determined that the prevalence of dry mouth in 13 selected articles ranged from 0.9% to 64.8% (3,13). Rad et al (2013, Kerman) (3) reported that the prevalence of xerostomia in 1010 Kermanian subjects in Iran was 55%.They evaluated subjective xerostomia while we investigated objective xerostomia.…”

“…Orellana et al (2006) (13) showed that 86.8% of elderly Scandinavian people had xerostomia. They complained of difficulty in chewing and swallowing and used antidepressant and antihypertensive medications more than other (healthy people without dry mouth).…”

Estudo das queixas sobre saúde bucal em uma população de idosos na cidade de Ribeirão Preto-SP

“…A deficiência na secreção salivar, conhecida como xerostomia, é uma queixa muito comum por estar associada às doenças autoimunes, radioterapia e utilização de certos medicamentos. 8,9 Muitas queixas estão associadas a estas alterações fisiológicas que ocorrem no organismo com o passar dos anos, e tais alterações na cavidade bucal, no entanto, podem ser controladas e prevenidas, o que deixa de lado a ideia de que envelhecimento significa contrair doenças bucais. A necessidade de mudança desta imagem negativa foi ressaltada na literatura, e profissionais da área da saúde devem ter cuidados especiais e diferenciados com o paciente idoso.…”

Association between crack cocaine use and reduced salivary flow

“…10,11 Raquel Pippi ANTONIAZZI (a) Amanda Rodrigues SARI (b) Maísa CASARIN (c) Cristina Machado Bragança de MORAES (a) Carlos Alberto FELDENS (d) Hyposalivation is defined as an objective measure of a reduction in salivary flow and is associated with xerostomia, which is the subjective perception of dry mouth. 12 Hyposalivation can be caused by different factors, such as systemic diseases, the use of medications, radiotherapy of the head and neck, 12 and the use of illicit drugs. 13,14 Cannabis, ecstasy, and methamphetamine are illicit drugs already associated with dry mouth.…”