A scoping review on hyposalivation associated with systemic conditions: the role of physical stimulation in the treatment approaches.

Background: Several systemic conditions can result in distinct degrees of salivary gland damage and consequent hypofunction. The development of successful management schemes is highly challenging due to the complexity of saliva. This study aimed to systematically map the literature on the physical stimulation of salivary glands for hyposalivation management and the response of individuals according to different systemic conditions causing salivary impairment.

Clinical management of salivary gland hypofunction in patients with head and neck cancer: a scoping review of physical salivary stimulation methods.

Objective(s): This scoping review aims to map the scientific literature on the therapies currently available for physical salivary stimulation in individuals with hyposalivation caused by radiotherapy.

Study Design: Studies were included when they comprised the target population of adult individuals receiving radiotherapy of the head and neck region and who developed or were at risk of developing hyposalivation. Two reviewers selected the studies and extracted data on the type of physical salivary stimulation therapy used, the degree of glandular tissue involvement, and the percentage of salivary flow alteration.