title: The impact of saliva on patient care: A literature review.
abstract: Decreased salivary flow results in a clinically significant oral imbalance that may manifest as increased caries, susceptibility to oral candidosis, altered taste sensation, or a host of other problems. This article reviews the role of saliva in oral health, highlights the causes and consequences of xerostomia, and outlines treatment modalities for patients with xerostomia. Journal articles were investigated through Medline, and relevant textbooks and handbooks were consulted. A summary of the literature pertinent to clinical prosthodontics is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. ana-arnold@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Diaz-Arnold
authors.forename: Cindy A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Marek
mesh_terms: D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004408:Dysgeusia / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009824:Ointments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012463:Saliva / Q000502:physiology*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D009824:Ointments