Is xerostomia a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients?

Xerostomia resulting mostly from hyposalivation and alkaline salivary pH is a frequent but often underappreciated symptom in the diseased population of maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. We reviewed also other xerostomia-predisposing factors, its specific dental and oral clinical signs and features, as well as plausibly detrimental dialysis-specific pro-atherosclerotic and cardiovascular consequences. In view of increasing multidisciplinary importance of xerostomia, its general, pharmacological and emerging treatment methods were presented. Special attention was paid to the untoward and often neglected pro-xerostomic effects of multiple common medications and substances; they were listed and described in more detail. The combined therapeutic approach of dentists and nephrologists may effectively alleviate xerostomia and support general health condition of maintenance hemodialysis patients.