Changes in salivary flow in the elderly: a quantitative cross-sectional study

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between alcoholism, smoking, habits and daily practices on the salivary flow of 220 subjects aged 65 to 74 years. This is an exploratory, analytical, quantitative study. The subjects were selected through proportional stratified sampling. Stimulated salivary flow was measured using the Navazesh method. To assess alcohol dependence and smoking, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Questionnaire of Smoking Urges Brief questionnaires were used. Data were analyzed using STATA software, using Pearson's Chi Square test, and logistic regression. A prevalence of 43.2% of individuals with hyposalivation was observed. Individuals aged 70 to 74 years had a greater chance of hyposalivation than those aged 65 to 69 years. There was an association between reduced salivary flow and those who drank less liquids and those who performed oral hygiene less frequently. The variables age, sex, fluid intake and craving for smoking explained an average of 43% of the occurrences of hyposalivation, with a statistically significant association with older age and the lower amount of liquid intake per day. Women, over the age of seventy, who drink little fluids during the day, are more susceptible to hyposalivation and need to be closely monitored by the healthcare team involved.