Abstract

Saliva is one of the most complex but versatile and important body fluids and contains a number of systems which serve a wide spectrum of physiological needs. Xerostomia is a subjective complaint, oftenreferred to as reduced salivary flow. Decreased salivary flow and alterations in salivary composition cause a clinically significant oral imbalance manifested as increased susceptibility to dental caries, oral candidiasis, altered taste sensation and many other problems. This article reviews the current concepts of etiology and itsmanagement.