Xerostomia and glossodynia in patients with autoimmune disorders.

Xerostomia presents a difficult challenge for the clinician to manage and a serious problem for the afflicted patient. Patients with dysfunctional or hypofunctional salivary or lacrimal glands suffer considerably both emotionally and physically. Because of the ever-increasing geriatric population, health practitioners can expect to encounter a substantial number of patients with xerostomia or salivary gland disorders. Early detection and appropriate management will improve the quality of these patient's lives.