Xerostomia: diagnosis and treatment planning considerations

Long-term xerostomia results in a poor prognosis for the remaining dentition, existing restorations, and denture acceptance. The dentist must be able to recognize xerostomia by the clinical signs and the potential for xerostomia on the basis of a medical history, since xerostomia may not always be the patient's chief complaint. A literature review concerning the etiology, diagnosis, and management of xerostomia is presented.