Xerostomia and Salivary Gland Hypofunction: From Pathophysiology to Nanotechnology‑Enabled Regenerative Therapies

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Volume: 12 | Issue: 1 | Year 2026 |
International journal of Nanobiotechnology
Received Date: 02/10/2026
Acceptance Date: 02/16/2026
Published On: 2026-03-20
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By: Atul Khajuria and Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi.

Atul Khajuria, Dean, Department of Allied & Health Care Sciences, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur – Chandigarh Rd, VPO, Bohan, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146001
Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi, Dental Surgeon, Department of Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur – Chandigarh Rd, VPO, Bohan, Hoshiarpur, Punjab 146001.

Abstract

Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of oral dryness, is a common yet frequently underrecognized condition with multifactorial etiology and substantial consequences for oral and systemic health. Salivary gland hypofunction underlies many, but not all, cases and may result from medication use, head and neck radiotherapy, autoimmune disease, systemic illnesses, or age-related and hormonal changes. Persistent xerostomia impairs mastication, swallowing, speech, taste, and sleep, and predisposes to dental caries, periodontal disease, oral infections, nutritional compromise, and diminished quality of life. Despite its high prevalence, especially among older adults and individuals receiving complex pharmacotherapy or oncologic treatments, diagnostic approaches and management strategies remain heterogeneous across clinical settings. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the structure and function of the salivary glands, the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of xerostomia, and contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Conventional management relies on a combination of patient education, modification of contributory medications where feasible, topical lubricants and saliva substitutes, topical fluoride and remineralizing agents, and systemic sialagogues in selected patients, supplemented by preventive and radioprotective strategies in oncology practice. However, these interventions are predominantly palliative and often provide incomplete or transient relief. Rapid advances in salivary gland biology, regenerative medicine, and materials science have generated a new generation of therapies aimed at preserving or restoring gland function. Investigational approaches include stem and progenitor cell-based therapies, gene transfer to residual gland tissue, biomimetic scaffolds and organoid technologies, and nanotechnology-enabled interventions such as targeted nanoparticle drug delivery and engineered nanozyme-based immunomodulation. By integrating foundational concepts with cutting-edge translational data, this review provides a framework for mechanism-based evaluation and management of xerostomia and highlights key priorities for future research.

Keywords: Xerostomia, Salivary Gland Hypofunction, Regenerative Medicine, Nanotechnology, Autoimmune Disease

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How to cite this article: Atul Khajuria and Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi Xerostomia and Salivary Gland Hypofunction: From Pathophysiology to Nanotechnology‑Enabled Regenerative Therapies. International journal of Nanobiotechnology. 2026; 12(1): -p.

How to cite this URL: Atul Khajuria and Sukhmeet Kaur Bedi, Xerostomia and Salivary Gland Hypofunction: From Pathophysiology to Nanotechnology‑Enabled Regenerative Therapies. International journal of Nanobiotechnology. 2026; 12(1): -p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/uncategorized/article=25253

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