Martin R E
Department of Health Promotion and Dental Care Delivery, University of Texas Houston Dental Branch, USA.
J Gt Houst Dent Soc. 1994 Oct;66(3):25-8; quiz 29.
Xerostomia is not a natural consequence of the aging process. Although dry mouth is not often found to be a chief complaint of elderly patients, it is a common problem that usually receives inadequate attention. Xerostomia is the feeling of dry mouth due to insufficient secretion of saliva. It is most common among the elderly as a result of adverse effects of drug therapy, head and neck radiation, or autoimmune diseases. Chronic xerostomia has a debilitating effect on the integrity of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. It often causes difficulty in speaking, tasting, eating, swallowing and denture retention. The goals of treatment are to stimulate salivary flow, or to restore oral moistness and prevent or alleviate the uncomfortable, harmful sequelae of xerostomia. Dentists can significantly enhance the quality of life for xerostomia sufferers by effectively managing the xerostomia sequelae in a compassionate, understanding manner.
口干并非衰老过程的自然结果。虽然口干并不常被发现是老年患者的主要诉求，但它是一个常见问题，通常未得到足够重视。口干是由于唾液分泌不足导致的口腔干燥感觉。由于药物治疗、头颈部放疗或自身免疫性疾病的不良反应，它在老年人中最为常见。慢性口干对口口腔软硬组织的完整性有削弱作用。它常常导致说话、品尝、进食、吞咽及佩戴假牙困难。治疗的目标是刺激唾液分泌，或恢复口腔湿润度，预防或减轻口干带来的不适及有害后果。牙医可以通过以富有同情心和理解的方式有效管理口干后遗症，显著提高口干患者的生活质量。
