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Updated: Aug 24, 2025

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Xerostomia - A Comprehensive Review with a Focus on Mid-Life Health
Lisa Elizabeth Jacob1, Meenakshi Krishnan2, Anju Mathew1
1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Thiruvalla, Kerala, India.
Menopausal women frequently experience dry mouth (xerostomia) due to hormonal shifts. This review covers xerostomia
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine and Pathology
- Endocrinology and Women's Health
Background:
- Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common subjective complaint, particularly prevalent in menopausal women due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Estrogen deficiency during menopause is linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, with radiotherapy for cancer treatment exacerbating oral dryness.
- Systemic diseases and xerogenic medications commonly encountered in middle-aged individuals are significant etiological factors for xerostomia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile and present essential information on the causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and management strategies for xerostomia.
- To specifically address xerostomia within the context of midlife health, focusing on menopausal women.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases including PubMed Central, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Science Direct, Medknow, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science.
- Relevant articles and authorized textbooks published between 1988 and 2021 were included in the review.
- The review synthesized information on xerostomia's etiology, clinical signs, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options.
Main Results:
- Hormonal changes during menopause are a primary driver of xerostomia in women.
- Oral cancer incidence increases postmenopause, potentially linked to estrogen deficiency, and radiotherapy further contributes to dry mouth.
- Various systemic conditions and medications prevalent in middle age are identified as causes of xerostomia.
Conclusions:
- Xerostomia significantly impacts the quality of life, underscoring the importance of saliva in maintaining oral health.
- Understanding the multifactorial etiology of xerostomia in midlife is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.
- This review provides a consolidated resource for healthcare professionals managing xerostomia in the context of midlife and menopausal health.
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