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The aims were to obtain epidemiological and etiological data on xerostomia in cross section of Croatian population, and to evaluate adherence to "American European Consensus Group" (AECG) classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome (SSj), in order to identify possible need for improvements in differential diagnosis of xerostomia. A retrospective study among patients seen at the Department of oral medicine for complaints of dry mouth was performed. Three hundred and ninety-five patients met inclusion criteria. A data base was formed, comprising epidemiological, clinical and sialometric data, immunological, scintigraphic, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings of salivary glands, coupled with drug intake listings. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Objective salivary hypofunction was found in 74% of our patients. The most common probable cause of xerostomia was side effect of pharmacotherapy. SSj was diagnosed in 6.7% of patients with xerostomia, whereas in another 8% of patients Sjögren's syndrome was strongly suspected, but labial gland biopsy wasn't performed, indicating a lack of adherence to AECG criteria for SSj diagnosis. Application of AECG criteria in differential diagnosis of patients with dry mouth is mandatory, as well as educating general practitioners, dentists and patients on xerogenic side effects of pharmacotherapy.

Xerostomia or dry mouth is a state of decreased salivary flow rate in the oral cavity, i.e. symptom which could be caused by various systemic diseases and states, as well as iatrogenically. The importance of recognizing xerostomia results in better conditions in the oral cavity, because loss of saliva manifests itself in frequent infections in the oral cavity, rampant caries, especially of the cervical parts of the teeth, inflammation of the major salivary glands, various unspecific symptoms as well as decreased ability to speak and eat.

Burning mouth syndrome represents a chronic orofacial pain disorder without an apparent lesion of oral mucosa. It affects 0.71-3.4% of general population. Although a lot of scientific and clinical effort has been undertaken, its genesis still remains an enigma. Potential etiologic roles of various oral and systemic factors have been implicated, such as oral candidiasis, hormonal, neurological, nutritive and psychiatric disorders. In spite of different treatment approaches and medications, therapeutic success is limited. Although in our country most of the patients are treated by dentists specialized in oral medicine, medical doctors should be more involved in diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Article describes etiologic factors, diagnostic and therapeutic means in the burning mouth syndrome.