Xerostomia and patients' satisfaction with removable denture performance: systematic review

Area of Science:

• Dental Science
• Oral Medicine
• Gerodontology

Background:

• Xerostomia, or dry mouth, presents various clinical signs impacting oral functions and prosthesis use.
• Evidence linking xerostomia to diminished denture performance is currently insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature and assess the association between xerostomia and decreased denture performance in patients wearing removable dentures.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search of indexed databases was conducted up to March 2019, including all evidence levels.
• Keywords included saliva, xerostomia, dentures, personal satisfaction, quality of life, oral dryness, and oral complaints.
• Nine studies (5 cross-sectional, 4 case-control) with 35-493 participants (mean age 56-82 years) were included.

Main Results:

• All reviewed studies assessed patient satisfaction and oral dryness.
• Six of the nine studies reported a significant association between xerostomia and reduced denture performance.
• Negative impacts on speaking, chewing, and denture retention were noted for both complete and partial denture wearers.

Conclusions:

• The available evidence suggests oral dryness negatively affects removable denture performance.
• Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these findings.
• Xerostomia significantly impacts the functional outcomes for denture wearers.