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Dry
mouth (xerostomia) is a common symptom. It ranges in severity
from an occasional annoyance (for example, the dryness experienced
for a few days while using antihistaminics for a head cold) to
the chronic, marked oral dryness (such as that following head
and neck irradiation), which interferes with basic oral health
and oral functions and negatively impacts quality of life.
The complaint
of oral dryness is usually associated with dysfunction of the
salivary glands and is often an early symptom of systemic disease.
Xerostomia needs to be evaluated rigorously and recognizing alterations
in salivary gland function is important for a number of reasons.
Perhaps most important is that adequate salivation is central
to supporting two essential functions: alimentation and communication.
Patients with
salivary gland dysfunction have difficulty speaking, eating, chewing,
and swallowing. This affects their social interactions and nutrition.
Their systemic health may be compromised, as well. Their dentition
is at risk and they have more frequent oral infections. Dry mouth
is a significant symptom affecting a large segment of the population.
This chapter
will examine:
- The prevalence
of dry mouth
- Aging and
dry mouth
- Causes
of dry mouth
- Diagnosing
dry mouth
- Sjögren's
syndrome, an autoimmune disorder associated with dry mouth
- Management
of dry mouth
- Clinical
research in dry mouth
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