The potential association between salivary gland hypofunction and systemic homeostasis

Medications, head and neck cancer radiotherapy, aging, and numerous systemic diseases are considered causes of salivary gland hypofunction. However, whether salivary gland dysfunction is the risk factor for systemic diseases and whether it affects the overall systemic homeostasis have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we hypothesize that salivary gland hypofunction may be associated with systemic diseases and homeostasis and effectively managing salivary gland hypofunction might provide benefits in both salivary gland and systemic homeostasis. This hypothesis is largely based on a number of currently reported knowledge bases, including altered salivary composition and flow leading to an increased risk of oral diseases and reduced oral function, links between oral disease and systemic conditions, disruptions in the nitrate cycle, and disturbances in the oral and intestinal microbiota. A last, we also identify issues that urgently need resolution in this field and potential challenges in addressing these problems.