The prevalence of xerostomia in patients with removable prostheses.

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of xerostomia among patients attending a dental clinic for provision of dentures and to investigate the oral cleanliness in those patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Denture-wearing patients who reported dry mouth completed a questionnaire related to xerostomia. Dryness of the mouth was determined by clinical observation. Dental and denture cleanliness was determined using the Modified Debris Index.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty patients had xerostomia. Oral cleanliness was generally poor.

CONCLUSION

There was a high prevalence of xerostomia in the patient population. A high proportion of subjects had poor oral cleanliness.