This paper reviews the physiological and histological changes in salivary glands associated with ageing and concludes that there is no evidence to show that xerostomia is likely to result from the ageing process alone. The signs and symptoms of xerostomia are discussed. The four main factors causing xerostomia are presented and it can be seen that the condition is a side effect of diseases and the drugs used to treat these diseases. A multifaceted approach to treating xerostomia is presented and illustrated with case histories.
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Ronald L. Ettinger (1981) studied this question.