EC Dental Science

Research Article Volume 22 Issue 5 - 2023

Assessment of Xerostomia and Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Geriatric Subjects on Polymedications - A Prospective Study in Regional Dharwad Population

Pooja Purohit1, Kruthika S Guttal2*, Shantala ArunKumar3, Krishna N Burde2 and Kirty Nandimath4

1Former Postgraduate, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Karnataka, India
2Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Karnataka, India
3Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Karnataka, India
4Professor and Head, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Karnataka, India

*Corresponding Author: Kruthika S Guttal, Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Karnataka, India.
Received: March 28, 2023; Published: April 06, 2023



Background: To evaluate the quality of life in elderly patients in relation to the number of remaining teeth, the number of ingested drugs for underlying systemic disorders and presence of xerostomia and to determine the correlation between an increased intake of drugs and severity of xerostomia.

Materials and Methods: All patients aged above 60 years were screened for signs and symptoms of xerostomia and a detailed case history regarding the underlying systemic conditions and the details of medications taken (duration, dosage, frequency of medications). Oral status was assessed, with regards to the number of remaining teeth presence of any fillings/prosthesis or presence of any decayed teeth. A complete examination to assess xerostomia, which included subjective symptoms if any experienced by the patients, followed by assessment of clinical features suggestive of Xerostomia. In addition to the above-mentioned assessment, Modified Schirmer test was performed to confirm the features of xerostomia.

Results: Out of 100 subjects, 48 males (86.7%) with a mean age of 62.4 years and 52 females (13.3%) with a mean age of 61.3 years were observed. The maximum number of xerostomic subjects (70) belonging to 53 to 65 years of age (65.6%), followed by 20 cases (22.28%) in 66 to 72 years of age, 6 cases (8.3%) in 66 to 72 years of age, and the least of 4 cases (3.64%) in ≥ 73 to 78 years of age. A Pearson correlation measure was estimated and the hypothesis in the analysis of the relation between the degree of xerostomia and quality of life of the patients was tested.

The statistical significance adopted in the study is 5% (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The clinical oral dryness scoring system (OHIP 14) has proven to be a useful tool to assess the effects of salivary hypofunction and lack of mucosal wetness. It indicates the need for intervention or referral from primary care. Another feature is that it takes very little chair-side time during the decision-making process, hence the system can be used very conveniently in general practice as well as in a hospital setting. However, a higher level of xerostomia is significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. The study emphasizes that good oral health is essential in elderly, for a better general health.

Keywords: Xerostomia; Oral Health Related Quality of Life; Polymedications

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Kruthika S Guttal., et al. "Assessment of Xerostomia and Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Geriatric Subjects on Polymedications - A Prospective Study in Regional Dharwad Population". EC Dental Science 22.5 (2023): 01-12.

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