This project examines the function of various oral tissues during physiologic aging and in individuals with alterations of normal oral function due to disease or therapeutic procedures. Major efforts have been directed at the evaluation of patients complaining of xerostomia (oral dryness) utilizing the inpatient and outpatient services of the Dry Mouth Evaluation Clinic. Specific diagnostic approaches have been developed to aid in establishing the etiology of salivary gland dysfunction and defining criteria necessary for management decisions. A treatment protocol for selected patients with demonstrable functional gland mass yet inadequate basal salivary performance continues, employing a regimen of oral administration of the parasympathomimetic drug, pilocarpine. Clinical and laboratory studies focusing on the etiology and character of the salivary gland component of Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune exocrinopathy, have been initiated. In addition, detailed studies of salivary-associated oral complaints (eg. taste and oro-pharyngeal swallowing disorders) have continued. Such studies include evaluation of oral sensorimotor performance across the adult life-span in order to better understand dysfunctional states.
