Relationship between symptoms of dryness and moisture levels in patients with maxillofacial prostheses

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the relationship between symptoms of dry mouth and the moisture levels in patients with maxillofacial prostheses.MethodsDry mouth of 30 patients with maxillofacial prostheses was examined by direct measurement of oral moisture and subjective symptoms of dry mouth were surveyed using Kakinoki's questionnaire. Oral moisture was measured five times at each of the lingual mucosa and the right and left buccal mucosa using Moisture Checker Mucus® and the mean value was calculated. Using a value of 29% as a reference, patients were classified as normal when the moisture value was 29%, or more, or with dry mouth if the value was when less than 29%.ResultsThe moisture levels of the patients with subjective symptoms of dry mouth were significantly lower than those of the patients without symptoms of dry mouth at each of the lingual and buccal mucosa. The moisture level of the lingual mucosa was significantly lower than that of buccal mucosa in the group reporting subjective symptoms of dry mouth, but not in those without symptoms.ConclusionThese results suggest that the symptom of dry mouth is corresponding to the moisture level and the moisture level of the lingual mucosa is associated with symptoms of dryness in patients with maxillofacial prosthesis.