J Oral Med Pain.
2025 Mar;50(1):41-46. 10.14476/jomp.2025.50.1.41.
Xerostomia Following Mandibular Fracture: Investigating Potential Etiological Links
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Oral Medicine, Capital Dental Hospital of Armed Forces Capital Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- KMID: 2566668
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.14476/jomp.2025.50.1.41
Abstract
- Xerostomia or dry mouth is commonly associated with medications, head and neck radiation therapy, and Sjögren’s syndrome. Studies report that it predominantly affects older adults and females; however, there is limited research focusing on the atypical and lowrisk groups. This report presents a case of xerostomia in a 35-year-old male following a mandibular fracture (MF). Initial self-care attempts were insufficient, necessitating pharmacological intervention with pilocarpine, which improved both the salivary function and symptoms. This case highlights MF as a rare yet plausible cause of xerostomia, mediated by trauma-induced neural and physiological disruptions. The potential mechanisms include cranial nerve injury, autonomic dysfunction, psychological stress, and the effects of trauma-related medications. These findings emphasize the need to consider xerostomia in nontraditional populations, particularly in those with facial trauma, and call for further research to elucidate its underlying mechanisms and guide effective management strategies.
