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Age and medication are significant risk factors for xerostomia in an English population, attending general dental practice.

OBJECTIVE
To study the prevalence of xerostomia in an English population, attending general dental practice and relate it to age, medication and gender.


DESIGN STUDY
Cross-sectional.


SETTING
Five General Dental Practices in Merseyside, North of England.


SUBJECTS
1,103 adult patients attending for routine dental care.


INTERVENTION
Questionnaire administered by dentists.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Age, gender, systemic medication, reported oral dryness.


RESULTS
1,103 patients (654 females) were recruited, of whom 427 (39%) were aged 60 years or older. 26% of patients reported taking medication. The overall prevalence of xerostomia was 12.7% (males--10.3%, females 14.4%). Age, medication and female gender were found to be significant risk factors for xerostomia, using logistic regression analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of xerostomia (12.7%) in an English population was lower than reported in previous North American and Swedish studies. Medication was a significant risk factor for xerostomia and a better predictor of risk status, than either age or gender.