Abstract
Abstract Background We investigated the prevalence, associations and impact of xerostomia in a nationally representative sample of dentate adult community‐dwelling New Zealanders aged 18 years and over. Methods The data were collected from a representative sample of 2209 adults, as part of the 2009 New Zealand Oral Health Survey ( NZOHS ). Data were collected using face‐to‐face interviews, dental examinations and the short‐form Oral Health Impact Profile ( OHIP ‐14). Data analysis used appropriate weighting for all procedures to account for the complex survey design. Results The overall prevalence estimate for xerostomia was 13.1% (95% CI 11.7, 14.7), and it was more common among females. Those in the 75+ and 25–34 age groups were more likely (odds ratios of 6.5 and 4.0, respectively) to have xerostomia. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and clinical oral disease, the mean OHIP ‐14 score among xerostomics was 50% higher than among those who did not have the condition. Conclusions These data indicate that xerostomia is a common condition which can affect quality of life among people of all ages.