Abstract
While numerous clinical indicators of tooth loss, dental decay and periodontitis are known to be associated with poorer oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), little is known about the potential contribution of xerostomia to OHRQoL. Recent research has suggested a relationship between xerostomia and OHRQoL among older adults (Locker, 2003). Aim: To determine whether xerostomia is associated with poorer OHRQoL among younger adults. Methods: Questionnaires were used to measure xerostomia (self-reported dry mouth) and OHRQoL (using the OHIP-14; Slade, 1997) among 923 32-year-old participants in a longstanding prospective cohort study of all individuals born in 1972/73 in Dunedin, New Zealand. Results: The prevalence of xerostomia was 10.0% (with no apparent gender difference). The prevalence, extent and severity of OHIP-14 impacts were all higher among people with xerostomia (P <0.05). Each OHIP subscale had at least one item which was associated with xerostomia: among the xerostomic individuals, being self-conscious was the most prevalent impact (one in four), followed by being embarrassed (one in five) and discomfort when eating (one in six). Regression modelling showed that, after controlling for a number of clinical oral health characteristics, xerostomia was independently associated with the overall mean OHIP-14 score. Conclusion: Even among young adults, xerostomia is associated with poorer OHRQoL.