Identifying and treating xerostomia in restorative patients.

Inadequate saliva can have devastating consequences for a patient, including oral discomfort, rampant caries, increased candida infections, and desiccation of restorative and esthetic dental treatment. Diagnosis of the cause of xerostomia is imperative to treating the condition, and multiple causes should be considered. Treatment options for xerostomia consists of treatment for hyposalivation, palliative and preventive care to combat the results of long-term dry mouth. Treatment of xerostomia should be based on the etiologic factors of the disease, with prevention of further oral destruction and comfort being the primary goals of treatment.