title: Hyposalivation in elderly patients.
abstract: Saliva is a key element in oral homeostasis, oral function and maintenance of oral health. Dry mouth has multiple oral health consequences and affects quality of life. The incidence of dry mouth and its public health impact are increasing due to the aging population, the effects of some systemic diseases, and medical management and commonly prescribed medications that reduce saliva production. In this paper, we review the causes of dry mouth and its impact on health. The role of dental providers and current management of dry mouth is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, MC-838, 801 South Paulina St., University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60091, USA.
authors.forename: Anurag
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Joel B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: Herve
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sroussi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D016371:Cranial Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012464:Saliva, Artificial / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D007370:Interferon Type I; D018721:Muscarinic Agonists; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012464:Saliva, Artificial