Management of Hyposalivation and Xerostomia: Criteria for Treatment Strategies.
Saliva management in patients with hyposalivation is potentially complex. Future development of oral care products and treatment strategies requires attention to the biology of saliva and the best means of providing a continuum of relief for people with xerostomia--the sensation of dry mouth--and hyposalivation--documented reduction in saliva flow. Improvement in patient care requires that clinicians be aware of approaches to management, desirable qualities of methods and products, and that they seek the development of products that support the functions of saliva and promote comfort and health. In this brief review of the epidemiology of hyposalivation, the biology and functions of saliva are presented in order to guide clinical decision-making to address the needs of patients with dry mouth.
Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, Consulting Staff, Division of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, Diplomat,American Board of Oral Medicine Collaborative Member.
Joel B
JB
Epstein
Associate Professor,Section of Oral Medicine, Clinical Oral Physiology, Oral Pathology and Anatomy, Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Siri
S
Beier Jensen
D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology