Salivary hypofunction and xerostomia: diagnosis and treatment.
Salivary gland hypofunction and complaints of xerostomia are common in elderly patients, irrespective of their living situation. Medication use is frequently related to dry mouth symptoms and reductions in salivary flow rates. Patients with reduced salivary flow are at increased risk for caries, oral fungal infections, swallowing problems, and diminished or altered taste. Oral health care providers should institute aggressive preventive measures and recommend palliative care for patients with significant reduction in salivary gland function. The systemic agents pilocarpine and cevimeline may help selected patients. Selective use of fluoride-releasing restorative materials and conservative treatment plans are recommended for this patient group.
Atkinson
Jane C
JC
Comprehensive Care and Therapeutics, University of Maryland Dental School, 666 West Baltimore Street, 3E-32, Baltimore, MD 21201-1586, USA. jatkinso@mail.nih.gov
Grisius
Margaret
M
Massey
Ward
W
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005459:Fluorides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019338:Polypharmacy; D011812:Quinuclidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012472:Salivation / Q000187:drug effects; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D011812:Quinuclidines; D013876:Thiophenes; D010862:Pilocarpine; C059240:cevimeline; D005459:Fluorides