Survey of prevalence of xerostomia in a population of Kerman, Iran, attending medical and dental clinics

BACKGROUND AND AIM:The effects of xerostomia on oral health have beenstudied for decades; however, theprevalence of this disorder in the general population remains controversial. The purpose of this studywas to determinethe prevalence of xerostomia in the population of Kerman, Iran.METHODS:A total of 1010 subjects participated in this cross-sectional study. Study volunteers completed a standardizedquestionnaire regarding demographic data, history of systemic disease, use of medication, cigarette smoking, andetcetera. The Fox questionnaire was also completedto diagnose xerostomia.RESULTS:The prevalence of xerostomia in this study was 55%(59.9% among men and 49.9% among women). Themean age of the study population was 34.7 ± 12.1. 21.5% of cases had a systemic disease and 19% reported takingmedication. Moreover, 25.9% of the participants (30% men and 4.6% women) smoked cigarettes or other tobaccoproducts. Systemic disease, medication, and the useof tobacco products and opiates were found to be significant riskfactors for xerostomia.CONCLUSIONS:The prevalence of xerostomia in our study was higher than that reported in other populations. Smokingand medication were significant risk factors for xerostomia.