Diagnosis and management of xerostomia and hyposalivation

• Main Authors: Villa A, Connell CL, Abati S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2014-12-01
• Series: Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/diagnosis-and-management-of-xerostomia-and-hyposalivation-peer-reviewed-article-TCRM

Alessandro Villa,1,2 Christopher L Connell,3 Silvio Abati4 1Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; 2Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; 3Department of General Dentistry, Boston University Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; 4Dental Clinic, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milano, Italy Abstract: Xerostomia, the subjective complaint of dry mouth, and hyposalivation remain a significant burden for many individuals. Diagnosis of xerostomia and salivary gland hypofunction is dependent upon a careful and detailed history and thorough oral examination. There exist many options for treatment and symptom management: salivary stimulants, topical agents, saliva substitutes, and systemic sialogogues. The aim of this review is to investigate the current state of knowledge on management and treatment of patients affected by xerostomia and/or hyposalivation. Keyword: saliva stimulation, dry mouth, saliva substitutes, sialogogues