|
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of xerostomia among dental patients and explo
-
re the possible risk factors and symptoms associated with this condition.
Study Design: The prevalence of xerostomia and its associations were investigated among patients (n=1132) who
were visiting the department of oral medicine at shorish dental speciality in sulaimani city. The age range was bet
-
ween 10-79 years. 512 (45.2%) of participants were males and 620 (54.8%) were females. The data collected were
age, sex, systemic diseases, medications and habit of smoking. Logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios
and 95% confidence intervals were used to investigate the association of xerostomia with age, systemic diseases
and medications and Chi Square test was also used to analyze the data.
Results: Prevalence of xerostomia was 16.07%. Prevalence of xerostomia was significantly higher among females
(19.51%) than males (11.91%) (
P
=0.001). The most common diseases with the highest prevalence of xerostomia
were psychological disorders (57.14%) followed by diabetes mellitus (53.84%), neurological disorders (40%),
thyroid disorders (37.5%) and hypertension (36.48%). The most common medication with the highest prevalen
-
ce of xerostomia was antihistamine (66.66%) followed by psychotherapeutic medications (60%), pain medica
-
tions (55.88%), endocrinologic agents (51.21%), antidyslipidic agents (50%) and antihypertensive medication
(38.98%). Xerostomia was significantly associated with ageing (OR: 1.02,
P
=0.000), systemic diseases (OR: 2.80,
P
=0.000) and medications (OR: 5.17,
P
=0.000). There was a high prevalence of reported symptoms of xerostomia
and these symptoms were more prevalent among females, prevalence of xerostomia was higher in heavy smoker
patients (19.48%) than non smoker patients but not significantly (16.14%) (
p
= 0.44).
Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of xerostomia among dental patients; xerostomia was significantly more
prevalent among females and significantly associated with age, systemic diseases and medications; xerostomia
adversely affects oral functions; dentist must be familial with sign and symptoms of xerostomia and can have an
active role in the management of xerostomia and preventing or treating complications.
|