Abstract:
The symptom of dry mouth has multiple potential etiologies and can be a diagnostic clue to the presence of common systemic diseases encountered in rheumatology practice. The presence of decreased saliva flow (i.e. salivary hypofunction) defines a subset of dry mouth patients in whom there may be reversible drug effects, an iatrogenic insult such as head and neck irradiation, or a disease that directly involves the salivary glands (e.g. Sjögren\'s disease). The assessment of salivary hypofunction includes sialometry, salivary gland imaging, salivary gland biopsy, and an assessment for relevant systemic diseases. Optimal management of dry mouth requires accurate definition of its cause, followed by general measures that serve to alleviate its symptoms and prevent its complications.
Through a literature search on xerostomia and salivary hypofunction, we provide an overview of the causes of dry mouth, highlight the potential impact of salivary hypofunction on oral and systemic health, detail routine evaluation methods and treatment strategies, and emphasize the importance of collaboration with oral health care providers.
Our Expert Opinion is provided on unmet needs in the management of dry mouth and relevant research progress in the field.
摘要:
■口干症状具有多种潜在病因,可以作为风湿病学实践中遇到的常见全身性疾病存在的诊断线索。唾液流量减少(即唾液功能减退)的存在定义了一部分可能存在可逆药物作用的口干患者。医源性损伤,如头颈部照射,或直接涉及唾液腺的疾病(例如Sjögren病)。唾液功能减退的评估包括唾液测量,唾液腺成像,唾液腺活检,以及相关系统性疾病的评估。口干的最佳管理需要准确定义其原因,其次是一般措施,以减轻其症状和预防其并发症。
■通过对口干症和唾液功能减退的文献检索,我们概述了口干的原因,强调唾液功能减退对口腔和全身健康的潜在影响,详细介绍常规评估方法和治疗策略,并强调与口腔保健提供者合作的重要性。
■我们的专家意见是针对口干管理中未满足的需求以及该领域的相关研究进展提供的。