In this article, attention is focused on ornl pathology, particularly
dental caries, caused by hyposalivation as a consequence of (long-term
) use of antidepressants. Changes in clinical psychiatric practice and
increasing numbers of presciptions of antidepressants in primary care
and specialty care settings have made awareness of this risk even mur
e relevant than in the past. Normal physiology of salivary glands and
changes in the secretion of saliva during use of antipressants nl e de
scribed, Monitoring, prevention, and treatment of hyposalivation induc
ed by antidepressants are encouraged as an adjunct in the clinical man
agement of depression. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.