Review Article

Year : 2021 | Volume : 9 | Issue : 2 | Page : 70 - 73

Xerostomia Diagnosis and Management

Hariprasath Nagarajan, Thanigaivel Gunasekaran

JKKN Dental College and Hospital, Erode, Smile Care Dental and Orthodontic Center, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Hariprasath Nagarajan,

JKKN Dental College and Hospital, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India.

E‐mail: drharithedentist@gmail.com

Abstract

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common complaint that may be caused by several conditions, which include side effects of a wide variety of drugs, such as antidepressants, therapeutic radiation to the head and neck, dehydration, diabetes, and diseases involving salivary glands, such as Sjogren’s syndrome. The complaint of dry mouth may or may not be associated with decreased salivary gland function. Individuals with xerostomia complain of problems with eating, speaking, swallowing, and wearing dentures. Some people also complain of salivary gland enlargement or changes in taste. Lack of saliva may predispose one to oral infections, such as candidiasis, and increase the risk of dental caries. Management of the individual patient with xerostomia includes assessment of salivary gland function, replacement therapy, and prevention of caries and oral candidiasis. Early recognition and management of xerostomia may prevent devastating dental disease and help to improve the quality of life.

Keywords: Dry mouth, etiology, xerostomia

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Nagarajan H, Gunasekaran T. Xerostomia diagnosis and management. Int J Community Dent 2021;9:70-3.