Is Dry Mouth A Public Health Problem: a scoping review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Dry mouth is a common condition among older adults, one that can have an adverse effect on the individual’s health and well-being. However, there remains a lack of knowledge of dry mouth among both health professionals and the public. Aims: To map the scientific evidence available on dry mouth in view of investigating whether the dry mouth is a public health problem. Material and Methods: Our study involved a scoping review method of research, which required a six-step framework. These steps included identifying the research question, identifying the relevant studies, selecting the most relevant studies, charting the data, collating, summarising, and reporting the result, as well as an optional step of performing a consultation exercise involving stakeholders. Results: A total of 24 articles were identified that met the inclusion criteria of the review. The studies were assigned to one of the four sub-questions of this review (the four public health problem criteria) depending on the content information. Some 11 studies were related to the prevalence of dry mouth, seven to the impact of dry mouth at an individual level, and six to the treatment of dry mouth, while there is a lack of studies were identified that discussed the impact on society. Dry mouth is a highly prevalent condition among the ageing populations and has an undesirable impact, not only in terms of the oral cavity but also in terms of overall well-being and Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). The findings related to dry mouth treatment were unsatisfactory, and there is lack of evidence related to the impact of dry mouth on society. Conclusions: The review revealed that the dry mouth condition does not meet all four of the public health problem criteria. However, dry mouth would appear to be a public health problem among older adults given its high prevalence and its negative impacts on the individual level. Further high-quality studies must be conducted to further explore whether dry mouth should be addressed as a public health problem.