Objectiveto verify the prevalence of hyposalivation inan institutionalized elder population and its
relationship with oral discomfort. A cross-sectional study was conducted with older people living
in a Nursing Homein Fortaleza-Brazil. Data collection occurred through the application of
sociodemographic questionnaire; sialometry examination, test for evaluating the salivary flow
speed; and by a subjective quantification of dry mouth intensity (Visual Analog Scale). Results:
sixty-five older people aged between 61 and 91 years (mean74.5±8.0) were evaluated, 30(46.2%)
were women and 35(53.8%) men. The majority had low monthly income (55;84.6%) and low
schooling (44;67.7%). The mean salivary flow was 0.4 ±0.2, withvery low flow (0.1-0.3 ml/min)
being more prevalent; females presented lower salivary flow (p=0.033) than males; there was an
association between salivary flow and dry mouth sensation (p<0.001) and halitosis (p<0.001). The
correlation between sialometry and VAS showed that the lower the salivary flow, the greater the
perception of dry mouth sensation. Health promotion actions and treatment (proper hydration;
tooth brushing; saliva stimulants) can be performed in order to minimize dry mouth/
hyposalivation impact on elders’ quality of life. Conclusion: Low salivary flow was prevalent in
the study subjects. It interferes in oral discomfort and causes dry mouth sensation.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio