TREATMENT OF XEROSTOMIA
Treatment of xerostomia depends on the cause and the degree of damage of the
salivary glands, thus it comprises etiologic, stimulative, symptomatic or palliative
approach. Current therapies include saliva substitutes and saliva stimulans (sialagogues).
In cases when there is still some residual salivary function it was shown
that saliva stimulans (local or systemic stimulation of secretory gland) produce
greater relief than saliva substitutes. When salivary glands are irreversible damaged and without capability to produce saliva, as is in the cases of head and neck radiotherapy
or advanced systemic disease (e.g. Diabetes mellitus, Sjögren sy) palliative
treatment remains the option.
When salivary function is preserved stimulation of salivary glands aimed to
increase the salivary output, include: