Living with Xerostomia: Challenges and Possible Solutions
Chapter from the book:
Çiçek,
H.
(ed.)
2023.
Health Science Research: Basic Medicine III.
Synopsis
Xerostomia is a subjective complaint of dry mouth resulting from several conditions, including systemic disorders, therapeutic radiation to the head and neck, side effects of medication, and Sjögren’s syndrome. The complaint of xerostomia is mostly accompanied with decreased salivary gland function and individuals with xerostomia experiences difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, tasting, and maintaining oral hygiene. Management of the patient with xerostomia includes assessment of salivary gland function, replacement therapy, and prevention of oral mucosal infections. Consequently, early recognition and management of xerostomia may prevent devastating complications and help to improve the quality of life. The aim of this section is to provide important information pertaining to the etiology, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of xerostomia with an emphasis on the improvement of the quality of life of xerostomic patients.