Xerostomia: A review

Saliva is a unique biologic fluid. Saliva is one of the most complex but versatile and important body fluids and contains a number of systems which serve a wide spectrum of physiological needs. Saliva is principle defense factor of the mouth. Similarly to any fluid in the body even saliva can have eccentric variations, which either can be increase or decrease in levels that can be physiologic or pathologic disparities. Persistent alteration in the normal flow of saliva into the oral cavity is of considerable significance to the integrity of the oral tissues. Although not life threatening but result in overall reduction in the quality of life.

Saliva plays a key role in the maintenance of oral health. Xerostomia or reduced salivary flow may be defined as subjective sensation of dryness of the oral mucous membrane with objective evidence of significantly decreased salivary flow. It is not a disease but an early symptom of several morbid systemic conditions with important implications for the medical and dental management of patients.