Dry mouth: Xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction.
BACKGROUND
Mouth dryness may present as salivary gland hypofunction (SGH), xerostomia or both. It is considered one of the most underappreciated, underdiagnosed and undermanaged oral health conditions. Despite its common presentation and adverse impact on life quality, it is also generally poorly understood. Increased awareness of the condition is important in addressing these problems.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses SGH and xerostomia, and the associated intra-oral and extra-oral implications. It also summarises currently available management approaches and the evidence behind them.


CONCLUSIONS
SGH and xerostomia are complex problems. None of the currently available management approaches are entirely satisfactory. Addressing the causative or contributing factors is therefore paramount. While oral health complaints are generally left up to the dental professional to manage, the nature of mouth dryness necessitates increased dialogue between the dental and  medical professions to ensure optimal patient care.
Agnieszka M
AM
Frydrych
D002177:Candidiasis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D009056:Mouth Abnormalities / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000592:standards; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*