Sammanfattning
The present study is based on a 5-year follow- up of community dwelling older people resident in three Norwegian counties. The aim was to estimate prevalence and distribution of xerostomia at day- and night-time at age 65 and 70 years and to assess whether xerostomia reduces oral health-related quality of life among older people. Questionnaires were completed by 4211 and 3733 participants in 2007 and 2012, respectively. Of the cohort members who completed the 2007 questionnaire, 70 % (n=2,947) participated in 2012. The prevalence of xerostomia at day was stable from 65 to 70 years of age, whereas nighttime xerostomia increased by 4 percent points. The prevalence of night-time xerostomia was larger than that at day time and women presented with the largest prevalence of night and day xerostomia at both ages. Risk factors for xerostomia were low education, smoking and recent use of medication. There was a positive association between xerostomia and reduced oral health-related quality of life at both ages. Dental health care workers should focus on identifying patients with xerostomia, educate them and emphasize early prevention and alleviation of symptoms in collaboration with medical doctors.