Self‐reported dry mouth among ageing people: a longitudinal, cross‐national study

Abstract

Focusing on Swedish and Norwegian cohorts of community‐dwelling older adults between age 65 and 70, this study aimed to identify predictors of the prevalence and incident cases of daytime and night‐time xerostomia. It was hypothesized that the prevalence increases with increasing age and is higher in women than in men and that the prevalence of persistent xerostomia and the 5‐yr‐incident cases are higher in people with consistent use of medication and need for health care. Of the Norwegian participants who completed the 2007 survey (age 65 yr), 70% (n = 2,947) participated in 2012. Individuals participating in both 2007 and 2012 constituted the Swedish panel (80%, n = 4,862). The prevalence of xerostomia was higher in women than in men and increased from age 65 to age 70, most markedly in the Swedish cohort. The risk of persistent xerostomia was greatest for participants with consistent use of medication (OR = 1.3) and contact with a physician (OR = 2.3). The risk of incident cases of xerostomia during daytime was greatest for participants with recent and consistent use of medication and recent contact with a physician. Dental professionals should identify patients with xerostomia, emphasize early prevention, and alleviate oral symptoms in collaboration with physicians.

Artificial Saliva: Challenges and Future Perspectives for the Treatment of Xerostomia

“…Another factor associated with reduced salivation is aging. Research carried out in different age groups, clearly indicate the prevalence of problems with the secretion of saliva in elderly people [48,49]. However, it correlates with the more frequent taking of medicines due to the occurrence of diseases.…”

Xerostomia and hyposalivation among a 65‐yr‐old population living in Oslo, Norway

“…In addition, social demographics and medical background characteristics may influence salivary conditions. Furthermore, it has been reported that women, in general, have lower salivary secretion rates than men (8), and hyposalivation is associated with female gender (9–11), use of xerogenic medications (9,12), increasing age (13), and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and Sjögren's syndrome (14).…”

“…Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of xerostomia increases with age (12,13,18,19). Xerostomia is reported more commonly in women (10,18–20), smokers (12,20), and individuals with symptoms of depression (9,20).…”

“…Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of xerostomia increases with age (12,13,18,19). Xerostomia is reported more commonly in women (10,18–20), smokers (12,20), and individuals with symptoms of depression (9,20). Xerostomia is also associated with impaired general health (12,21) and use of medication (12) – in particular, a high number of medications (19) or xerogenic medications (20).…”

“…Xerostomia is reported more commonly in women (10,18–20), smokers (12,20), and individuals with symptoms of depression (9,20). Xerostomia is also associated with impaired general health (12,21) and use of medication (12) – in particular, a high number of medications (19) or xerogenic medications (20). Individuals with xerostomia also tend to report reduced oral health‐related quality of life (21–23).…”