Survey of Prevalence of Xerostomia in A Population of Kerman, Iran, Attending Medical and Dental Clinics

Background and aim: the effects of xerostomia on oral health have been studied for decades; however, theprevalence of this disorder in the general population remains controversial. the purpose of this study was to determinethe prevalence of xerostomia in the population of kerman, iran.methods: a total of 1010 subjects participated in this cross-sectional study. study volunteers completed a standardizedquestionnaire regarding demographic data, history of systemic disease, use of medication, cigarette smoking, andetcetera. the fox questionnaire was also completed to diagnose xerostomia.results: the prevalence of xerostomia in this study was 55% (59.9% among men and 49.9% among women). themean age of the study population was 34.7 ± 12.1. 21.5% of cases had a systemic disease and 19% reported takingmedication. moreover, 25.9% of the participants (30% men and 4.6% women) smoked cigarettes or other tobaccoproducts. systemic disease, medication, and the use of tobacco products and opiates were found to be significant riskfactors for xerostomia.conclusions: the prevalence of xerostomia in our study was higher than that reported in other populations. smokingand medication were significant risk factors for xerostomia.