Xerostomia

Abnormal oral dryness caused by reduced or absent salivary gland secretion, potentially resulting in mucosal discomfort, difficulty swallowing, altered taste, dental caries, halitosis, and increased susceptibility to oral infections.

Causes

• Medications (anticholinergic or sympatholytic)

  • Antihistamines

  • Antidepressants

  • Antihypertensive medications

  • Analgesics

• Cancer treatment

  • Head and neck radiotherapy

  • Chemotherapy

• Sjögren's syndrome affecting salivary glands

• Systemic causes

  • Dehydration

  • Fever

  • Fluid loss

  • Diabetes mellitus

• Salivary trauma

  • Salivary nerve damage

  • Facial or oral trauma

  • Head and neck surgery

  • Salivary gland obstruction

• Mouth-breathing

  • Chronic nasal obstruction

  • Sleep apnea

• Lifestyle and physiological factors

  • Smoking

  • Alcohol consumption

  • Aging