Impact of xerostomia on the quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of xerostomia on the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1).Study designThe sample was comprised of 51 adolescents with DM1. Diabetic status was determined by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbG) and capillary glucose (CG) tests. Poor metabolic control was defined as HbG >8.0% and CG <90 mg/dL or >130 mg/dL. Measurement of salivary flow was performed by means of stimulated saliva collection. Xerostomia was detected by asking a question about the sensation of having “dry mouth,” and OHIP-14 was used to measure the impact of xerostomia on QOL.ResultsA total of 52.9% of subjects presented with xerostomia and 40.8% with hyposalivation. Significant differences between the subjects with and without xerostomia regarding metabolic control levels were not observed (P > .05). However, OHIP-14 scores were significantly different between the subjects with and without xerostomia (P < .001).ConclusionsXerostomia is frequent and has a negative impact on QOL of adolescents with DM1.