Xerostomia and Its Association with Polypharmacy and Oral Health Status Among Elderly Saudi Individuals from an Institutional Rehabilitation Center

Background/Objectives: The percentage of elderly Saudi individuals is expected to grow significantly in the next few decades, increasing the need for geriatric oral care. However, very little is known about multiple-drug exposure, xerostomia, and oral health among elderly Saudi individuals. Thus, this study aimed to explore the prevalence of xerostomia and its association with polypharmacy and oral health status among elderly individuals from an institutional rehabilitation center in Al-Baha Region.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of elderly individuals who were assessed using the Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) and unstimulated whole salivary sialometry (October 2024 to February 2025). Clinical oral examinations were also conducted using the World Health Organization criteria for root caries, candidiasis, mucosal lesions and ulceration, and denture stomatitis. The Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) was used to assess the oral health outcomes.