Xerostomia:A Comprehensive Review

The motto of this article is to investigate the manifestation and complications caused by dry mouth and what measures should we take to give respite to the patients. The two different facets of dry mouth are Xerostomia and Hyposalivation. Xerostomia is subjective sensation of dry mouth whereas, hyposalivation is an objective estimation of diminished salivary flow rate. This ailment is found to be more prevalent in the age group of 65 years and older i.e., around 30%. Significant increase in manifestation of having dry lips, mouth, throat, eyes, skin and nose epitomize Xerostomia. For these patients swallowing food becomes an arduous task so they drank water three times more than normal person to make it possible. In comparison to medication-free patients this disorder is found be more established in patients who are consuming drugs that affect the nervous system. Independent risk factors like gender, age and medications pose serious threat in the development of xerostomia. Dentists should be well acquainted with situation and take an active role in diagnosing and managing this situation on time should be taken forward positively by the dentists because any dereliction in this might impair the condition.