Interactions of the Salivary and Gastrointestinal Systems

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Abstract
Salivary gland dysfunction is uniformly detrimental to the oral cavity. Its effects on the GI tract have begun to be explored. Dry mouth is a common complaint among older adults, probably due to systemic disease and its therapy rather than the aging process per se. Evaluation of complaints of dry mouth should include medical history, sialometry and physical examination. Numerous medications can elicit drug-induced xerostomia. Patients who have received radiation therapy to the head and neck region often have permanent radiation-induced xerostomia, which has been linked to esophagitis. SS is an autoimmune systemic exocrinopathy resulting in irreversible salivary gland dysfunction. SS has numerous GI manifestations, including dysphagia, temporal defects of deglutition, esophageal dysmotility, gastritis, pancreatitis and liver disease. Management of salivary hypofunction is directed toward preserving the dentition and improving patient comfort. Drug-induced xerostomia is often correctable by altering the therapeutic modality.

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