Xerostomia - Etiology, recognition and treatment

Background. Clinicians may encounter symptoms of . xerostomia, commonly called "dry mouth," among patients who take medications, have certain connective tissue or immunological disorders or have been,treated with radiation therapy. When xerostormia is the result of a reduction in salivary flow, significantly oral complications can occur. Types of Studies Reviewed. The authors conducted an Index Medicus-generated review of clinical and scientific reports oxerostomia in the dental and medical the past 20, years. The literature pertaining to xerostomia represented the diciplines of oral medicine, pathology, pharmacology , epidemiology, gerodontology, dental oncology, immunology and rheumatology. Additional topics included the physiology of salivary function and the management of xerostomia and its complications. Results. Xerostomia often develops when the amount of saliva that bathes the oral membranes is reduced. However, symptoms may occur without a measurable reduction in salivary gland output. The most frequently reported cause of xerostomia medications. A number of commonly prescribed drugs with a variety of pharmacological activities have been found to produce xerostomia as a side effect. Additionally, xerostomia often is associated with Sjogren's syndrome, a condition that involves dry mouth and dry eyes and that may be accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis or a related connective tissue disease. Xerostomia also is a frequent complication of radiation therapy. Conclusion and Clinical Implications. Xerostomia is an uncomfortable condition and a common oral complaint for which patients may seek relief from dental practitioners. Complications of xerostomia include dental caries, candidiasis or difficulty with the use of dentures. The clinician needs to identify the possible cause(s) and provide the patient with appropriate treatment. Remedies for xerostomia usually are palliabutive but may some protection from the condition's more significant complications.