Questionnaire-based survey on dry mouth and its management of elderly patients in general dental clinics

Abstract

Dry mouth is a common complaint in the elderly, mainly as a consequence of substantial medication. In this project, we carried out a questionnaire-based survey on dry mouth in elderly patients, its association with long-term medication, and the treatment of dry mouth in general dental clinics.
The results showed that at least 40% of elderly patients aged 65 years or older attending a dental clinic complained of inconvenience due to dry mouth, and this tendency was predominant in women. Among these patients, the percentage of those receiving some kind of treatment for dry mouth and those requesting treatment was 8.3%, and approximately 80% were visiting hospitals and/or clinics other than a dental clinic and taking medication.
A survey of dentists revealed that 77.7% had encountered elderly patients complaining of dry mouth, and 53.2% had actually provided treatment for it. A total of 91.4% recognized the necessity of clinical guidelines for dry mouth.