Factors associated with hyposalivation among community-dwelling older Japanese population in 6-year longitudinal study

Background: Saliva plays an important role in regulating oral health. Hyposalivation, which is an objectively measurable decrease in salivary flow, is highly prevalent in older adults. However, few reports have used longitudinal data to equate the incidence and associated factors of hyposalivation. Thus, the aim of the present longitudinal study was to investigate the incidence of hyposalivation and associated factors in community-dwelling older people in Japan. Methods: The study population comprised 220 persons (80 men and 140 women) aged 65–86 years at baseline.