Xerostomia in geriatrics

(PART-1), Epidemiological and salivary functional study

Abstract

Clinical study of xerostomia in geriatric patients treated in our department during 5 years, from 1976 to 1981, were investigated. 38 subjective cases were older than 65, 15 males and 26 females. 18 cases (44%) sufferred from more than two systemic complications such as cranial infarction, heart disease and Parkinson's disease. To investigate their salivary function, salivary flow rates, sialography of parotid, sequential salivary scintigraphy was made. Clinical severity of xerostomia was judged by modified Schall's classification. Consequently, geriatric salivary flow rates were less than those of the younger. Sialographic feature showed as atrophy in the peripheral ductal system. Sequential study of salivary scintigraphy showed as poor uptake in geriatric oral region.