Xerostomia: recognition and management of hypofunction of the salivary glands.

Unfortunately, xerostomia manifests itself in the presence of multiple chronic and acute disease states. Hyposalivation can not only persist as a side effect related to the medical management and concomitant drug use in the treatment of the disease, but it may functionally impair our patients and affect their overall health and quality of life. It is the intent of this article to assist the clinician in the recognition of those disease entities that may induce the side effect of xerostomia. In addition, protocols for the management of decreased salivary flow for each of these conditions are reviewed.