Prevalence of self-reported xerostomia in a cross-sectional

population in the western province of Saudi Arabia

Nathanael Salako*, BDS, MSc, FDS, RCPS, FMCRS, FWACS,
Jamila Farsi**, BDS, MS, PhD
*Kuwait University, Kuwait, **King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The prevalence and incidence of xerostomia has been determined in many countries of the world. No data is available on a prevalence and incidence of xerostomia in any Saudi Arabian Population.  This paper describes incidence of this symptom and associated factors in the western region of Saudi Arabia – a country with very hot and dry climate throughout most of the year. A questionnaire survey was conducted in the western region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 552 responses were received and analyzed.  Results showed that the incidence of xerostomia was comparable to those reported from different parts of the world with different climatic conditions.  In accordance with other reports, our results also showed an association with other oral and non-oral symptoms, the use of certain medications and mouth habits such as cigarettes and tobacco use. 

Saudi Dental Journal 2005;17(1):29-33.