Etiology, evaluation, and management of xerostomia

Clin Dermatol. 2017 Sep-Oct;35(5):468-476. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.06.010. Epub 2017 Jun 27.

Abstract

Xerostomia is defined as the complaint of oral dryness. It is a condition that primarily affects older adults and can have a significant negative effect on one's quality of life. Patients with xerostomia often do not have objective signs of hyposalivation. The underlying etiology of xerostomia includes a variety of systemic diseases and local factors. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive review of the differential diagnosis, evaluation, and management of xerostomia. Prompt diagnosis and management can alleviate the clinical manifestations of this debilitating condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Saliva / metabolism
  • Xerostomia* / diagnosis
  • Xerostomia* / etiology
  • Xerostomia* / therapy