Xerostomia and Its Impact on Oral Health
<p id="p1">Xerostomia, known as dry mouth, has significant implications for systemic and oral health. It is frequently associated with conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, medication side effects, radiation therapy, and various systemic diseases. These factors contribute to salivary dys...
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| Autor principal: | |
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| Formato: | Capítulo de libro |
| Lenguaje: | inglés |
| Publicado: |
IntechOpen
2025
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/1216634 |
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| Sumario: | <p id="p1">Xerostomia, known as dry mouth, has significant implications for systemic and oral health. It is frequently associated with conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, medication side effects, radiation therapy, and various systemic diseases. These factors contribute to salivary dysfunction, leading to oral discomfort and an increased risk of infections, including oral candidiasis. Reduced saliva flow can result in dental caries, mucosal dryness, altered taste, and difficulties with swallowing, all of which can substantially diminish a patient’s quality of life. This chapter explores xerostomia’s systemic and oral health impacts, focusing on conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, where autoimmune-mediated glandular dysfunction results in persistent dryness and secondary complications. Diagnostic evaluation involves subjective assessments, salivary flow testing, imaging, and laboratory analysis to differentiate true hyposalivation from perceived dryness. Management strategies emphasize early identification, tailored interventions, preventive care, incorporating saliva substitutes, sialogogues, antifungal therapy, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This chapter aims to enhance clinical understanding of xerostomia’s far-reaching effects by addressing fungal infections and other consequences of salivary dysfunction. A comprehensive, patient-specific approach is essential to improving treatment outcomes and long-term oral health.</p> |
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| ISBN: | 978-1-83634-920-4 |
| DOI: | 10.5772/intechopen.1010126 |