Prevalence and Factors associated with Dry Mouth in Women

The Longitudinal Assessment of Ageing in Women Study (LAW Study), commenced in Brisbane in 2001. This multidisciplinary 5 year clinical study evaluates psychosocial and pathophysiological changes in a randomly recruited representative cohort of 500 women aged 40 – 80 from the Brisbane region. As part of this study, an oral health status examination commenced in April 2004 and is ongoing. Objectives: To identify the prevalence of dry mouth in participants of the LAW study and the factors which could contribute to it. Methods: As part of the oral health examination, participants were asked to complete a questionnaire relating to dry mouth, when it occurs and the effect it has on their lifestyle. Information on medications and smoking was accessed from the LAW Study database. Results: Of a total of 137 women, 49% reported dry mouth. This was more prevalent in the older age groups (40 – 49 = 0%, 50 – 59 = 52.6%, 60 – 69 = 47.4%, 70 – 79 = 59%, 80+ = 60 %) (p<0.01). It occurred most commonly at night, 48% reported interference with function, mainly swallowing and denture wearing (16% full dentures and 26% partial dentures) and 11% were current smokers. Medications were taken by 80.2% of the subjects. The average number of medications was not significantly different between those with and without dry mouth (2.83 vs 2.22) (p=0.1). Of those taking medications associated with xerostomia (antihypertensives and anti-depressants) 55.9% reported dry mouth compared with 51% of those taking other medications (No statistically significant difference). Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of reported dry mouth by the participants in the LAW Study. Age appeared to be a major contributing factor while smoking and medications were of lesser importance. This project was funded in part by the Betty Byrne Henderson Centre and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation.