To Örebro University

BACKGROUND: Reduced salivary flow may have a negative impact on general well-being, quality of life and oral health.

OBJECTIVES: To examine xerostomia in 50-, 65- and 75-year-olds, background factors and effect on Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP).

METHODS: In 1992, a questionnaire was sent to all 50-year-old persons (n = 8888) in two Swedish counties. In 2007, the same questionnaire was sent to all 65-year-olds (n = 8313) in the two counties and to all 75-year-olds (n = 5195). Response rate was for the 50, 65 and 75 year olds 71.4, 73.1 and 71.9%, respectively.

RESULTS: Xerostomia was higher in women than in men in all age groups. There was higher prevalence of xerostomia with increasing age in both sexes and it was more frequent at night than during daytime. 'Often mouth dryness' was 2.6-3.4 times more prevalent in those who reported an impact from OIDP. The highest odd ratios were for daytime xerostomia and for the variables burning mouth (17.1), not feeling healthy (4.5), daily smoking (4.4), and medication (4.1).

CONCLUSIONS: The dramatic increase of xerostomia between age 50 and 75, especially amongst women, needs to be considered in the management of this age group.