Xerostomia: Recognition, Dental Implication And Its Management

Xerostomia commonly called as dry mouth, is the subjective feeling of oral dryness. It is not a diagnosis, but a symptom with multiple possible causes. Although dry mouth is most frequently associated with altered salivary gland function, there are other etiologies for this condition. The most frequent cause of dry mouth complaints is the use of certain drugs, depression or psychological conditions, systemic diseases, radiotherapy etc. It is important to perform a complete evaluation of the patient with dry mouth, to determine the possible cause of the xerostomia so that appropriate management can be instituted in a timely manner. The patient with xerostomia who has salivary gland hypo-function is at risk for many oral complications and it is critical to institute appropriate preventive measures. The dentist and dental hygienist has an important role in recognition and management of the patient with xerostomia. Xerostomia may also be a consequence of systemic disease and early recognition may aid in their prompt treatment. Management may be viewed as a series of goals: to provide symptomatic relief of dryness complaints; to institute appropriate preventive measures; to treat any ongoing oral problems; if salivary function is decreased, to stimulate remaining function; and to address the underlying disease process.