Assessment of Xerostomia Prevalence and Causes Among Patients at a Tertiary Dental Clinic in Imo State

Xerostomia (dry mouth) significantly impairs oral function and quality of life, and its prevalence assessment in a South East Nigerian tertiary setting identifies patient subgroups requiring targeted management. This study assessed xerostomia prevalence and its underlying causes among patients attending the dental clinic at Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Imo State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 dental clinic patients aged 18 and above. Xerostomia was assessed using the validated Xerostomia Inventory. Patients' medical history, medication list, systemic disease status, radiation therapy history, and salivary gland disorders were documented. Results showed a xerostomia prevalence of 32.5 percent using validated cut-off scores. Polypharmacy (three or more medications) was the most common associated factor, present in 47.4 percent of xerostomic patients. Antihypertensive medication was the most frequently implicated drug class. Diabetes mellitus was the most common systemic disease in the xerostomic group. Head and neck radiation history was present in 7.7 percent. The elderly age group (above 60 years) showed significantly higher prevalence. Sjögren's syndrome features were identified in 4 of 78 xerostomic patients. The study concludes that xerostomia is prevalent and often medication-related in this tertiary dental setting. Recommendations include routine xerostomia screening using validated tools, medication review in collaboration with physicians, and provision of saliva substitutes and salivary stimulants at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital dental clinic.

Keywords: xerostomia, dry mouth, prevalence, tertiary dental clinic, Imo State