Abstract
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 xerostomia is the result of a reduction in salivary flow,
significant oral complications can occur.
TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED:
The
authors conducted an Index Medicus--generated review of clinical and
scientific reports of xerostomia in the dental and medical literature
during the past 20 years. The literature pertaining to xerostomia
represented the disciplines 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 mucous
membranes is reduced. However, symptoms may occur without a measurable
reduction in salivary gland output. The most frequently reported cause
of xerostomia is the use of xerostomic 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 Sjögren'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.
CONCLUSIONS 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 palliative but may offer some protection from the
condition's more significant complications.
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