Hyposalivation and xerostomia among Parkinson's disease patients and its impact on quality of life

Abstract

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) adversely affects oral health (OH). However, the informative value of xerostomia compared to objective parameters and its impact on quality of life (QoL) is still unclear. This study aimed to explore whether xerostomia correlates with hyposalivation and to define its impact on OH-related QoL.

Materials and methods

Whole stimulated saliva (WSS) was collected from 30 PD patients and 30 matched healthy controls. Objective parameters (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs, plaque/ gingivitis index, mucosa situation and cheilitis angularis), and questionnaires (German Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIPG]-14, visual analogue scale [VAS], xerostomia [yes/no], and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale-II) were assessed.

Results

87% PD patients showed hyposalivation versus 50% of controls (p=0.001). 50% of PD patients reported xerostomia, none of controls (p<0.001). The OHIPG-14 was impaired in PD patients compared to controls (p<0.001), PD patients with xerostomia reported mean VAS values of 4.1 (SD 2.2). WSS did not correlate with VAS values.

Conclusions

Half of PD patients reported xerostomia and underestimated their xerostomic status, with higher probability than healthy controls. WSS did not reflect the grade of xerostomia. PD patients suffered from impaired OH-related QoL. Dental teams should not overlook these oral health risks.

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