Pilocarpine improved saliva production and relieved symptoms of xerostomia after irradiation for cancer of the head and neck, with minor side effects that were predominantly limited to sweating.

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Salivary gland dysfunction may occur as a result of common medications, cancer therapy, or Sjogren's syndrome. Affected patients may develop significant oral, dental, and upper gastrointestinal sequelae. This article reviews the basic elements in diagnosis of salivary dysfunction, including initial evaluation and specialized diagnostic procedures. Patient management depends primarily on the severity of salivary dysfunction. More severe permanent forms of dysfunction, such as radiation-induced and Sjogren's syndrome, require long-term care, with preventive measures to maintain the dentition and therapeutic attempts to increase oral fluids.