Dry Mouth (xerostomia):

Basic Research and Clinical Practice

Abstract

　　Dry mouth (xerostomia) is an unpleasant symptom caused by decreased moisture in the oral cavity. Saliva has many functions, such as lubrication, food mass formation, disinfection, remineralization, and protection of the oral mucosa. However, dry mouth not only deteriorates these functions and worsens the oral environment but can also adversely affect the quality of life, by leading to infection, dysphagia, and nutritional disorders. The causes of dry mouth include the autoimmune disease Sjögren’s syndrome; radiation therapy to the head and neck region directly affecting the salivary glands; side effects of medications such as antihypertensive drugs, psychiatric medications, and anti-allergy drugs; and stress. If a triggering disease (e.g., diabetes and anemia) is identified, treatment should be aggressive; if a drug side effect is suspected, countermeasures should be taken, including drug reduction, in cooperation with the prescribing physician. Dry mouth is treated by prescribing salivary gland stimulants, artificial saliva, salivary gland massage, and moisturizers. However, these are all symptomatic treatments, and the development of curative treatments is needed.

　　Clinicians must have a correct understanding of this disease and respond to it appropriately to prevent it and extend the healthy life expectancy of the population. This article describes the basic and clinical aspects of dry mouth.