Xerostomia and Medication in an Elderly Portuguese Population

Abstract

Xerostomia (dry mouth perception) is a condition that affects mastication, swallowing and speech and increases with age or can be the result of medication or some systemic diseases. The purpose of this exploratory study was to evaluate the prevalence of xerostomia in a local elderly population and its relationship with medication. It was verified that most of the participants have xerostomia, and from these, the majority take medication. Additionally, the prevalence of xerostomia varies with the type of medication taken. The presence of xerostomia was found to be significantly related to the number of medications taken.