Salivary gland disease

Question 1

Salivary gland hypofunction

Answer 1

Unstimulated salivary flow is significantly reduced

Question 2

Normal salivary flow

Answer 2

unstimulated - 0.1–0.2mL per minute
stimulated: 0.7mL per minute

Question 3

Xerostomia

Answer 3

subjective perception of dry mouth
prevalence - 10-46%
older population
W>M

Question 4

Functions of saliva

Answer 4

Lubrication
Protection of hard tissues
Digestion
Antimicrobial and immunological
Wound healing
Taste

Question 5

Tx of salivary gland hypofunction

Answer 5

rectify underlying cause (eg diabetes)
protect teeth and oral cavity
infections (sialadenitis/periodontal and mucosal disease)
replacement
enhance function (eg pilocarpine derivatives)
avoid contributing factors

Question 6

Drugs that cause dry mouth

Answer 6

antidepressants
antihistamines
anticholinergics
potent diuretics
hypotensive agents
muscle relaxants
narcotics
hypnotics
neuroleptics
sympathomimetics

Question 7

What assessment is used to salivary gland hypofunction?

Answer 7

Challacombe scale