The prevalence of xerostomia among e-cigarette or combustible tobacco users: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction:
This text is a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that examines the prevalence of xerostomia (dry mouth) in healthy populations who use e-cigarettes and/or combustible tobacco. The study was conducted according to the PRISMa guidelines and registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The researchers searched several electronic databases and included 14 studies with a total of 6827 participants.

Key Points:

* The study found that the overall prevalence of xerostomia was 26% (95% CI: 18--35) in the population of smokers (combustible and/or e-cigarette).
* Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of dry mouth was 33% (95% CI: 18--48) in the e-cigarette population and 24% (95% CI: 21--27) in the combustible tobacco population.
* The prevalence of xerostomia was higher in the United States (39%) than in Pakistan (13%) and Saudi arabia (21%).
* Smokers under 25 years of age (30%) were more likely to report dry mouth.
* The study also notes that there is no uniform definition of smokers and assessment of xerostomia in the literature, which may lead to differences in the prevalence of xerostomia.
* The analysis was limited by the number of studies included and the lack of uniformity in defining smokers and assessing xerostomia.

Main Message:
This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence-based estimates of the global prevalence of xerostomia among healthy people who use e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco. The study highlights the potential association between smoking and xerostomia and the need for further research to explore the relationship. The findings also emphasize the importance of healthcare providers being aware of the oral health risks of smoking and taking appropriate measures to aid cessation, particularly among young people.

Guo X, hou L, Peng X, Tang F. The prevalence of xerostomia among e-cigarette or combustible tobacco users: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Tobacco induced diseases. 2023;21:22. doi:10.18332/tid/156676