What condition does xerostomia refer to?

Xerostomia specifically refers to the condition of dry mouth, which occurs when the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This can lead to difficulties in swallowing, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene, as saliva plays a critical role in these functions. A decrease in saliva can also increase the risk of dental caries and oral infections.

The term itself is derived from Greek, where "xero" means dry and "stomia" refers to the mouth. Understanding this definition helps in the recognition and management of xerostomia, particularly in patients who may be taking medications that cause reduced saliva production or who have certain medical conditions affecting salivary glands.