To determine the prevalence of self-reported xerostomia and its correlated factors among adults with diabetes mellitus.
Methods:
The target population comprised of 299 adults with diabetes in Tehran, Iran. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Significance of associations between self-perceived xerostomia, reported oral problems, age, and diabetes related factors were determined by Chi-square test.
Results:
Of all study subjects, 25% reported having xerostomia, with no significant gender difference. A higher prevalence of self-reported xerostomia was significantly correlated with being 55 years of age or older (37% vs. 21%; p= 0.024). Subjects with perceived xerostomia reported more often dry, painful and chapped lips (73% vs. 21%; p<0.001), painful gums (44% vs. 23%; p=0.008), sensation of unpleasant taste (38% vs. 21%; p=0.006), and bleeding of gums (35% vs. 22%; p=0.05). This study revealed no significant association between self-reported xerostomia and diabetes related factors.
Conclusions:
Dentists should be familiar with the symptoms of xerostomia and have an active role in the diagnosis, management and treatment of its oral complications, especially among adults with diabetes because of their increased risk for oral diseases.