[Xerostomia: etiology, diagnosis and treatment]

Salivary hypofunction caused by salivary gland disease, medication, or radiation may predispose for secondary oral mucosal disease. In these patients the protective coating of saliva is reduced or absent, leaving the oral mucosa more vulnerable. Candidiasis, burning mouth syndrome, and white lesions of oral mucosa are increased in frequency. The aim of management is to prevent oral pathological changes. The management procedure may include proper oral hygiene, saliva-stimulating agents, or saliva substitutes, depending on the severity of the salivary dysfunction. Treatment includes antifungal therapy if fungal infection appears. In severely distressed patients, local or systemic corticosteroids may be indicated. Precautions like refraining from smoking and avoid agents with detergents. Some antiinflammatory agents could be help.