Potential risk factors and symptoms associated with xerostomia in completely and partially edentulous patients – A hospital-based study

Abstract

Purpose: Xerostomia is a serious concern with many ramifications observed in the oral cavity. Dentists can recognize the features of xerostomia early and relieve the discomfort of the patient. The relationship between xerostomia and its risk factors has been established but the risk factors have been considered independently or with no distinction among the causative components of xerostomia. Studies relating to xerostomia and edentulism with relation to risk factors and symptoms are not very many. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in partially and completely edentulous patients. Questionnaires were completed by 234 participants. The questionnaire recorded the socio-demographic information, medical history, oral hygiene habits, and symptoms of xerostomia. Clinical examination was done to record the missing teeth. All the data were collated into an excel sheet and statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age of the participants was 54.6 years. Of the 234 participants, 68 (29.05%) had xerostomia. The older age group (>50 years) showed a higher prevalence of xerostomia than the younger age group (<50 years), past smokers complained more of xerostomia than the current smokers and as the number of medications increased xerostomia increased, but none of them were statistically significant. Conclusion: The prevalence of xerostomia in partially and completely edentulous patients was 29.05%. None of the variables of risk factors were associated with xerostomia. Dry lips and dry throat were strongly associated with xerostomia.