13rd year BDS, BDS Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India
22nd year, BDS Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India
*Corresponding Author E-mail: karthikmohan87@yahoo.com
Online published on 17 March, 2015.
Xerostomia refers to a subjective sensation of a dry mouth; it is frequently, but not always associated with salivary gland hypofunctions. Xerostomia is a common problem that has been reported in 25% of older adults. In the past, complaints of dry mouth in older patients often were ascribed to the predictable result of aging. However, it is now generally accepted that any reductions in salivary functions associated with age are modest and probably are not associated with any significant reductions in salivary functions. Instead, xerostomia in older adults is more likely to be the result of other factors, especially medications. More than 500 drugs have been reported produce xerostomia as a side effect and also Sjogrens syndrome plays a role in the cause of xerostomia. This review briefly discuss about the drugs causing xerostomia and about the Sjogrens syndrome.
