Determining the risk factors for xerostomia in dental out-patients

Aim. To determine the risk factors for xerostomia.

Methods. The study included 137 patients aged 25 to 60 years (61 males, 76 females), the main group consisted of 40 patients with xerostomia (11 males, 29 females), with a median age of 44.5 years (38; 49.5). The control group included 97 patients without xerostomia (50 males, 47 females), median age - 42 years (36; 49). The questionnaire by V.V. Afanas’ev (1993) was used to collect the complaints, anamnesis and to determine the risk factors for xerostomia. Qualitative indicators are listed as absolute numbers and shares (%). In assessing the statistical significance of qualitative indicators differences, contingency tables with subsequent Pearson chi-square test were used.

Results. Among the patients of the main group, 19 (47.5%) took medications decreasing the salivation, with intake period duration ranging from 1 to 4 months. When questioned, patients with xerostomia reported statistically significant increase in the rates of cardiovascular disorders (15 patients, 37.5%), gastrointestinal tract diseases (11 patients, 27.5%), endocrine diseases (10 patients, 25%), musculoskeletal diseases (9 patients, 22.5%). The combination of three or more positive answers on V.V. Afanas’ev questionnaire questions was revealed in 12 (30%) patients of the main group, which was significantly higher compared to the control group (1 patient, 1.03%).

Conclusion. The most typical reasons for developing xerostomia were the following: taking medications decreasing the salivation, presence of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and endocrine disorders. Three or more positive answers on V.V. Afanas’ev questionnaire questions increase the probability of detecting xerostomia in a respondent.