Self-reported oral and general health related to xerostomia, hyposalivation, and quality of life among caries active younger adults

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to study prevalence of xerostomia, hyposalivation and quality of life among caries active younger adults. Materials and methods: A questionnaire regarding oral and general health, xerostomia and quality of life was mailed to 134 caries active (CA) and 40 caries inactive (CI) patients, 25–50 years of age (mean age 39.9 ± 6.2 years) treated at a Swedish Public Dental Service clinic, regarding oral and general health, xerostomia and quality of life. Caries data and unstimulated whole salivary flow rates were obtained from dental records. Results: The overall response rate was 69%. Dental records confirmed that CA patients had more decayed teeth over time than CI patients (p