Xerostomia (dry mouth) is associated with salivary gland hypofunction, and is an influential factor in oral health. It is commonly accepted that dry mouth is a frequent clinical complaint. Moreover, it is believed that the condition is primarily found among the aged. Many studies of Xerostomia or dry mouth in the aged have been conducted, and they suggest that many who suffer from those conditions do so because of the side effects of medication or reduced water intake. Most methods for determining the degree of oral wetness use stimulators such as gum or Saxon. These are useful for elucidating the flow rate of stimulated saliva, but not for oral wetness conditions in the absence of such stimulation. Therefore, these methods are not effective for elderly or disabled patients, who have difficulties with basic oral functions, and cannot indicate the actual degree of dry mouth. In our studies, 35.2% of aged persons complained of dry mouth. Dry mouth conditions and a sense of difficulty when swallowing had a positive relationship. Also, a sense of dry mouth in aged person correlated well with Body Mass Index. Oral wetness and saliva conditions should be the first consideration in the treatment and care of dry mouth conditions in the aged.

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We have carried out a study to determine the normal tooth-planting line in harmony with the basal arch to promote good therapeutic results. The following results were obtained. 1. For males, the ovoid type was the most common (57.3%), followed by the tapered type (28.0%) and square type (14.7%). 2. For females, the ovoid type (46.0%) and tapered type (45.7%) were equally common, with only a few of the square type (8.3%). 3. In combined data (Male and Female), the ovoid type (51.7%) was most common, followed by tapered type (36.8%), and finally square type (11.5%). As seen in the results above, the ovoid type was the most common normal dentition occlusion among adult Japanese males and females, with only a few instances of the square type. Thus, this study should assist in determining the normal tooth-planting line in harmony with the basal arch to promote good therapeutic results.

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