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1: Dent Clin North Am. 2005 Apr;49(2):309-26.Click here to read Links

Salivary hypofunction and xerostomia: diagnosis and treatment.

Atkinson JC, Grisius M, Massey W.

Comprehensive Care and Therapeutics, University of Maryland Dental School, 666 West Baltimore Street, 3E-32, Baltimore, MD 21201-1586, USA. jatkinso@mail.nih.gov

Salivary gland hypofunction and complaints of xerostomia are common in elderly patients, irrespective of their living situation. Medication use is frequently related to dry mouth symptoms and reductions in salivary flow rates. Patients with reduced salivary flow are at increased risk for caries, oral fungal infections, swallowing problems, and diminished or altered taste.Oral health care providers should institute aggressive preventive measures and recommend palliative care for patients with significant reduction in salivary gland function. The systemic agents pilocarpine and cevimeline may help selected patients. Selective use of fluoride-releasing restorative materials and conservative treatment plans are recommended for this patient group.

PMID: 15755407 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Patient Drug Information

  • Fluoride (ACT® , APF Gel® , Control Rx® , ...)

    Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay. It is taken up by teeth and helps to strengthen teeth, resist acid, and block the cavity-forming action of bacteria. Fluoride usually is prescribed for children and adults whose h...

  • Pilocarpine (Salagen® )

    Pilocarpine is used to treat dry mouth caused by radiotherapy in people with head and neck cancer and to treat dry mouth in people with Sjogren's syndrome (a condition that affects the immune system and causes dryness of...

  • Cevimeline (Evoxac® )

    Cevimeline is used to treat the symptoms of dry mouth in patients with Sjogren's syndrome (a condition that affects the immune system and causes dryness of certain parts of the body such as the eyes and mouth). Cevimelin...

  • Source: AHFS Consumer Medication Information