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17th July 2023
Xerostomia
A reduction in salivary gland output into the oral cavity can result in xerostomia, which is defined as the sensation of oral dryness. There are several temporary and permanent causes of xerostomia (see table 3).
| Temporary | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Physiological
Psychological (anxiety and depression) Drugs (many causes! Just a few listed below)
Sialolithiasis Infections |
Sjögren’s syndrome
Diabetes mellitus Sarcoidosis Cystic fibrosis Parkinson’s disease Bone marrow transplant (60`% of recipients) Trauma (accidental or postoperative) Radiation |
Table 3: Causes of xerostomia
After physiological xerostomia, the next most common cause is drug-induced xerostomia.
Complications of xerostomia include altered taste, dysphagia, dental caries and an increased risk of oral candidiasis and bacterial infections.
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