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[Salivary glands: what was innervation again?]
K Jacobs1, J A M Korfage1, F J Bikker2
1Research group Orofacial anatomy, section Orofacial pain and dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) , Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|September 17, 2025
Summary
Saliva, produced by salivary glands, aids digestion and oral health. Parasympathetic stimulation regulates saliva production, and xerostomia (dry mouth) can result from medications.
Area of Science:
- Oral Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Saliva performs crucial functions: oral moisture, digestion, and protection.
- Major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual) and minor glands produce saliva.
- Salivary glands possess autonomous innervation via cranial nerves and the sympathetic system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions and regulation of salivary glands.
- To discuss the causes and management of dry mouth (xerostomia).
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological mechanisms of salivary secretion.
- Analysis of the autonomic nervous system's role in salivation.
- Examination of factors causing xerostomia.
Main Results:
- Saliva production is primarily regulated by parasympathetic stimulation.
- Chewing and other stimuli can increase saliva output.
- Medications inhibiting parasympathetic activity are a common cause of xerostomia.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of xerostomia requires accurate diagnosis and interprofessional collaboration.
- Treatments include stimulation, saliva substitutes, and mouth sprays.
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