Hyposalivatory drug use, whole stimulated salivary flow, and mouth dryness in older, long‐term care residents

Abstract

Drug-induced hyposalivation has only been anecdotally related to various subjective and objective oral problems. The study described here of 157 residents of a long-term care facility reports data on whole masticatory-stimulated salivary flow rates, use of medications, and perceptions of symptoms associated with hyposalivation, including mouth and eye dryness, tooth sensitivity, chewing satisfaction, and taste and smell acuity. One hundred and twelve residents (71%) were taking one or more drugs that induced hyposalivation. Salivary flow rates were lower in persons who were taking such drugs, and lowest in persons who were taking such drugs for a protracted period. Flow was also lower in females than males, and lower in persons institutionalized for long periods than in persons institutionalized for short periods. Persons who were taking drugs that induce hyposalivation were institutionalized longer, used more medications, had more health problems, were dissatisfied with chewing, and had fewer teeth than persons who were not taking such drugs. Persons who reported having mouth dryness also reported eye dryness and were dissatisfied with their chewing ability. Perceived mouth dryness was not related to salivary flow.