The management of xerostomia in older adults

Abstract

Since the oral cavity has a specific role in maintaining wellbeing, appropriate care can help to increase quality of life by keeping the mouth free from infection, maintaining dentition - thus facilitating ‘normal’ eating - and restoring appearance. Yet, as age increases, the ability to carry out effective oral care may be jeopardized by physical and mental disability and an associated inability to manage personal care. Indeed, a significant relationship between dexterity, impaired oral hygiene and accumulation of dental plaque has been demonstrated in institutionalized older adults. Although levels of untreated dental caries, periodontal disease and tooth loss may be significant, oral care is frequently overlooked in older individuals; dental care is rarely provided in institutional settings, often being sought only when an oral health problem is identified. There is, therefore, a significant unmet dental need, associated with marked oral disease and poor levels of oral hygiene. This is often exacerbated by the effects of aging on the mouth.