Xerostomia in Older Adults: Diagnosis and Management

Introduction Saliva plays a critical role in the preservation of oral-pharyngeal health. Complaints of a dry mouth (xerostomia) and diminished salivary output are common in older populations, which can result in impaired food and beverage intake, host defence and communication. Persistent xerostomia and salivary dysfunction can produce significant and permanent oral and pharyngeal disorders and impair a person’s quality of life. Salivary function remains remarkably intact in healthy older persons, yet a plethora of systemic diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), medications (e.g., anticholinergics) and head and neck radiotherapy (e.g., for cancer) cause xerostomia, particularly in the older adults.