Xerostomia ? A Review

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a very common symptom amongst the terminally ill and can have profound negative effects on patients' quality of life. It predominantly affects the middle aged and elderly people. Patients with a persistently dry mouth may develop a burning or scalded sensation and have poor oral hygiene. They are prone to increased dental caries, periodontal disease, intolerance of dentures and oral infections, particularly candidiasis. The aim of this report is to review the causes, diagnosis and management of dry mouth patients and also to review the physiological and pathological changes in the salivary secretion in these patients.