Salivary Gland Disease

Saliva plays a significant role in the protection and maintenance of the oral and pharyngeal tissues. Xerostomia (i.e., dry mouth) affects about one in three ambulatory community dwelling older adults(Osterberg et al, 1992; Locker, 1995; and Narhi, 1994). A common cause of dry mouth are medications. Diminished salivary function may lead to oral complications such as dental caries, loss of taste, difficulty swallowing, and candidal infections, as well as difficulty in chewing and wearing dentures. To learn more about xerostomia, click on the link.

Oral conditions related to pharmacology therapy

Drug therapy can significantly affect the oral structures and their function. Such agents may alter the quality or quantity of saliva. It has been shown that elderly patients who take more than four medications a day have significantly lower saliva flow rates as compared with a non-medicated group. Alpha blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, neuroleptics, central analgesics, anti-allergy medications and antacids commonly used by the elderly have been documented as altering salivary function. The resulting oral dryness can be so discomforting that patients may stop taking their medications because of the symptoms.