Salivary Gland disease & xerostomia

• Salivary gland disease associated with HIV infection (HIV-SGD) can present as xerostomia with or with out salivary gland enlargement. Reports describe salivary gland enlargement in children and adults with HIV infection usually involving the parotid gland.
• The enlarged salivary gland are soft but not fluctuant. In some cases, enlarged salivary gland may be due tolymphoepithelial cyst.
• The etiology of HIV- salivary gland disease is as yet unknown but the enlarged parotid glands can be source of annoyance & discomfort.
• Xerostomia is sometimes seen in individuals with HIV-salivary gland disease. HIV-infected patients may also experience dry mouth in association with taking certain medications that can hamper salivary secretion, such as antidepressants, antihistamines & anti anxiety drugs.

Management

Removal of enlarged parotid gland is rarely recommended.For individuals with xerostomia, the use of salivary stimulants such as sugarless gum or sugarless candies may provide relief.

Candies that are acidic should be avoided, as frequent use may lead to loss of tooth enamel. The use of salivary substitute may also be helpful. an increase in caries can occur, so fluoride rinses should be used daily & visits to the dentist should occur two to three times per year.With this treatment salivary gland disease can be managed.