Local drug delivery in the treatment of furcation defects in periodontitis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of subgingival administration of various antimicrobials and host-modulating agents in furcation defects as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) compared to SRP alone or combined with placebo. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out using MEDLINE-PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for articles up to October 2022 in addition to hand searches. All longitudinal studies that evaluated the effect of subgingival application of antimicrobial and host-modulating agents in furcation defects as adjuncts to SRP compared to SRP alone or SRP + placebo with at least 3 months of follow-up were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: A total of eight studies were included. Superior clinical treatment outcomes were shown when alendronate, rosuvastatin, boric acid, simvastatin, and tetracycline (only at 3 months) were utilized in furcation defects in conjunction with SRP alone or SRP + placebo. Significant improvement was reported in radiographic bone defect depth and defect depth reduction when SRP was supplemented with alendronate, rosuvastatin, boric acid, and simvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this review, the adjunctive subgingival administration of medications and host-modulating agents in furcation defects may confer additional clinical and radiographic benefits than non-surgical periodontal treatment alone. Future investigations are needed to confirm their long-term effectiveness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Local host modulators and antimicrobials may be used supplementary to enhance the clinical and radiographic treatment outcomes of conventional periodontal therapy in furcation defects.

3D-Printed Antibacterial Scaffolds for the Regeneration of Alveolar Bone in Severe Periodontitis.

Current clinical treatment of periodontitis alleviates periodontal symptoms and helps to keep the disease under control for extended periods. Despite this, a significant destruction of the tooth's underlying bone tissue often takes place progressively. Herein, we present a two-way therapeutic approach for local delivery of antibacterial agents and bone tissue regeneration, incorporating ~1% w/w tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) into a 3D-printed scaffold composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). Samples were assessed for their morphological, physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and antibacterial properties. Furthermore, osteoprecursor cells (MC3T3-E1) were employed to evaluate the osteoinductive potential of the drug-loaded scaffolds. Cell proliferation, viability, and differentiation were determined on all cell-seeded scaffolds. At the end of the culture, PCL-TCH scaffolds promoted abundant collagen organic matrix, demonstrating augmented alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and areas of accumulated mineralised bone tissue, despite their belayed cell proliferation. Based on the observed effectiveness of the PCL-TCH scaffolds to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus, these constructs could serve as an alternative bioactive implant that supports bacterial inhibition and favours a 3D microenvironment for bone tissue regeneration in severe periodontitis.

Occurrence of Luteolin in the Greek Flora, Isolation of Luteolin and Its Action for the Treatment of Periodontal Diseases.

Higher plants possess the ability to synthesize a great number of compounds with many different functions, known as secondary metabolites. Polyphenols, a class of flavonoids, are secondary metabolites that play a crucial role in plant adaptation to both biotic and abiotic environments, including UV radiation, high light intensity, low/high temperatures, and attacks from pathogens, among others. One of the compounds that has received great attention over the last few years is luteolin. The objective of the current paper is to review the extraction and detection methods of luteolin in plants of the Greek flora, as well as their luteolin content. Furthermore, plant species, crop management and environmental factors can affect luteolin content and/or its derivatives. Luteolin exhibits various biological activities, such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial ones. As a result, luteolin has been employed as a bioactive molecule in numerous applications within the food industry and the biomedical field. Among the different available options for managing periodontitis, dental care products containing herbal compounds have been in the spotlight owing to the beneficial pharmacological properties of the bioactive ingredients. In this context, luteolin's anti-inflammatory activity has been harnessed to combat periodontal disease and promote the restoration of damaged bone tissue.

Flapless application of enamel matrix derivative in non-surgical periodontal treatment: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of the flapless application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in combination with non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) when compared to non-surgical periodontal treatment alone in adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to March 2021 complemented by a manual search. Human longitudinal studies of >5 participants and at least 3 months follow-up were eligible for inclusion in the review. Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled. Meta-analysis of the included studies was not possible due to methodological differences. RESULTS: A total of 1199 publications were identified and reviewed for eligibility. Nine of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eight studies were randomized clinical trials. The clinical findings of the majority of the included studies demonstrated that the adjunctive use of EMD with NSPT could lead to significantly improved treatment outcomes including higher PPD reduction, more CAL gain, more robust BOP reduction, higher number of sites with PPD < 5 mm and more frequent pocket closure which reduces the need for further periodontal surgical treatment. Limited biological, microbiological and histological findings were reported. Minimal adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: The flapless application of EMD during NSPT leads to an improved clinical outcome in regards to CAL gain and PPD reduction when compared to conventional treatment alone. The potential effect on the biological and microbiological outcome is unclear.

Review of the association between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in smokers.

Both periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the most common diseases associated with smoking. These conditions frequently present alongside comorbidities including diabetes, coronary heart disease, duodenal ulcer, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Chronic inflammation contributes to the pathology of both periodontitis and COPD, and in patients suffering from both conditions treatment of periodontitis may lead to relief from COPD symptoms as well. Smoking contributes to the underlying pathophysiology by causing local inflammation, increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and most importantly, by locally increasing the activity of proteolytic enzymes which degrade the extracellular matrix in both periodontal and lung interstitial tissue. The increase in protease activity and extracellular matrix degradation may explain why periodontitis and COPD comorbidity is so common, a finding which also indicates that therapeutic interventions targeting protease activity and the inflammatory response may be beneficial for both conditions.

Influence of Body Mass Index and Other Periodontitis-associated Risk Factors and Risk Indicators on Periodontal Treatment Needs: A Cross-sectional Study.

PURPOSE: To record periodontal treatment needs in a randomised sample and evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and periodontal treatment needs, as well as the association between diabetes, smoking, BMI and periodontal treatment needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 633 patients aged 18 to 85 years visiting an outpatient clinic. Body mass index (BMI) and periodontal status were recorded. Demographic data including gender, year of birth, smoking habits and medical history were collected from each patient. RESULTS: 216 subjects (36%) were overweight, while 188 subjects (31.3%) were obese. CPITN (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs) scores of 2 and 3 (minimal to moderate periodontal treatment needs) were widespread among this population (68.2%). Using model-based clustering, the total sample of 600 subjects was divided into four clusters of 202, 241, 111 and 46 subjects. CONCLUSION: The periodontal treatment needs of the sample were generally minimal to moderate, with only a weak association between the BMI and treatment needs. However, diabetics, smokers and older subjects classified as overweight or obese needed moderate to complex periodontal treatments.

Treatment duration and gingival inflammation in Angle's Class I malocclusion patients treated with the conventional straight-wire method and the Damon technique: a single-centre, randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the duration of orthodontic treatment and Gingival Index (GI) scores in Class I malocclusion patients treated with a conventional straight-wire method (CG) or the Damon technique (DT). DESIGN: Two-arm, parallel, randomised clinical trial Setting: A postgraduate orthodontic clinic Participants: Patients with a balanced facial profile, a full permanent dentition and Angle's Class I malocclusion with moderate crowding. METHODS: The primary outcome was the duration of orthodontic treatment in months. GI scores throughout treatment were secondary outcomes and the PAR index was also assessed. Randomisation was accomplished using a table of random numbers and the allocation was concealed in sequentially numbered and opened, opaque, sealed envelopes. Blinding was applicable for PAR assessment only. Comparison of data between groups was performed with appropriate tests for independent samples. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were randomly allocated to treatment in a 1:1 ratio to either CG or DT group. Age at the start of treatment, initial PAR index and GI scores were similar between groups. All patients completed the study, but the total duration of orthodontic treatment was almost half of the initial assumption. No statistically significant differences were observed in treatment duration (CG: Mean ([Formula: see text]) = 14.5 months, Standard Deviation (SD) = ±3.03; DT: [Formula: see text] months, SD = ±2.93; 95% Confidence Interval: -0.40 to 4.90; P = 0.093; t-test). The two groups did not differ statistically regarding the GI scores during the observational period. No serious harms were observed other than gingival inflammation associated with oral biofilm accumulation. CONCLUSIONS: The present study did not reveal statistically significant differences between the compared, conventional straight-wire method and Damon technique-treated, Angle's Class I malocclusion groups regarding total treatment duration and GI scores.

Pre-restorative crown lengthening surgery outcomes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Pre-restorative crown lengthening surgery (CLS) is a common periodontal procedure, for which systematic reviews are lacking. This systematic review aimed to assess outcomes of CLS performed for restorative reasons. METHODS: Databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, OpenGrey) were searched up to January 2016 for clinical/animal trials on CLS for restorative reasons with ≥6-month follow-up. Primary outcomes investigated were: free gingival margin position, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and plaque/inflammation indices. RESULTS: Four non-randomized and one randomized controlled clinical trial and one controlled animal trial were included. Heterogeneity and high risk of bias were identified. CLS resulted in increased crown length (6-month average: 1.4-3.3 mm). Between immediate postsurgery and follow-up, gingival margin may rebound, largely during the first three postoperative months. Technical (flap positioning, osseous resection, root preparation) and anatomical (periodontal biotype) factors influence outcomes. The literature lacks studies on tooth mobility, crown-root ratio, patient- and referring dentist-reported outcomes, surgical technique comparisons, and restorative treatment timing. CONCLUSIONS: Within the available data limitations, it is concluded that CLS results in increased crown length and possible gingival margin rebound. Technical aspects (primarily) and anatomical factors (secondarily) influence outcomes. Future research is needed to fill significant voids in our knowledge on several procedural aspects.

Classification of periodontal biotypes with the use of CBCT. A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between periodontal morphometric parameters and to develop a biotype classification based on the variables examined with the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two periodontally healthy subjects that underwent a CBCT examination as part of a different diagnostic procedure participated in the study. Measurements were performed on sectional images and included gingival thickness and labial bone plate thickness midbuccally, crown width to crown length ratio, bone crest to the CEJ distance and bone crest to the gingival margin distance midbuccally, and at the approximal aspects of 186 maxillary anterior teeth. RESULTS: Gingival thickness at the level of CEJ was positively correlated with labial bone plate thickness and crown form. Crown form was not correlated with labial bone plate thickness. Cluster analysis supported the existence of four periodontal biotypes, "thin," "thick," "average," and "mixed." Labial bone plate thickness was thinner than 1 mm at 70 % of the measured sites. CONCLUSIONS: Only 50 % of the teeth belonged to thin or thick biotype. The other 50 % of the teeth belonged to the average cluster or presented mixed characteristics. Assessment of labial bone plate thickness based on periodontal biotype should be made with caution. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Taking into consideration the characteristics of periodontal biotypes enables the clinician to avoid complications in periodontology, prosthetic dentistry, implant dentistry in the esthetic zone, and orthodontics.

Effects of doxycycline on clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters in well-controlled diabetes type-2 patients with periodontal disease: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of systemic doxycycline as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in chronic periodontitis patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients compliant to oral hygiene (Hygiene Index <20%) allocated to either a test (systemic doxycycline for 21 days) or a control (placebo) group participated in the present randomized controlled trial (RCT). Clinical assessments were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months after therapy and included clinical attachment level (CAL), set as the primary outcome of the study, probing pocket depth (PPD), recession (RE) and bleeding on probing (BOP). At the same time points, counts of 15 subgingival species were evaluated by "checkerboard" DNA-DNA hybridization, gingival crevicular fluid samples were analysed for matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) by ELISA and HbA1c levels were determined. Comparisons between and within groups were performed by non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon signed-ranks and z-test for proportions with Bonferroni corrections) at the 0.05 level. RESULTS: No major differences were noticed in clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontal disease or levels of MMP-8 between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive systemic doxycycline does not seem to significantly enhance the effects of SRP in well-controlled diabetes type 2 patients.

Pre-restorative crown lengthening surgery: influence of restorative treatment timing on clinical outcomes-a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to assess the influence of restorative treatment timing on the periodontal, patient and operator-reported outcomes following crown lengthening surgery (CLS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen study participants requiring CLS were divided into two groups based on prosthetic rehabilitation timing (6 or 14 weeks postoperatively). Clinical parameters were recorded around treated and neighboring teeth before and after surgery, 6 and 14 weeks postoperatively, at prosthesis delivery, and three and six months after. Soft tissue and radiographic bone changes were evaluated. Patients assessed their perception of the procedure by means of a questionnaire. The final treatment outcome was rated by both patients and prosthodontists. RESULTS: CLS resulted in statistically significant and stable apical displacement of the gingival margin, at both treated and adjacent sites. Plaque and bleeding scores remained low throughout. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for any clinical or radiographic parameter examined. Healing was uneventful and treatment outcome was satisfying for both patients and prosthodontists, without statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has been characterized as pilot, because it was not possible to reach the sample size indicated by the a priori power analysis. CLS is an effective pre-prosthetic procedure as long as it is performed under a certain surgical protocol which predicts for at least a 3 mm distance between bone crest and the flap margin at suturing. Within the limitations of this study, six weeks after surgery may be an adequate healing time for the onset of prosthetic restoration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Crown lengthening surgery is commonly performed in daily clinical practice with the aim to restore teeth with short clinical crowns. Based on periodontal, patient and operator-reported criteria, 6 weeks after CLS may be adequate healing time before the onset of prosthetic restoration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03947658, 13/05/2019, retrospectively registered.

Multidimensional 3D-Printed Scaffolds and Regeneration of Intrabony Periodontal Defects: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of regenerative techniques in periodontology involves tailoring tissue engineering principles to suit the oral cavity's unique environment. Advancements in computer-assisted technology, specifically utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), enabled the fabrication of 3D-printed scaffolds. The current review aims to explore whether 3D-printed scaffolds are effective in promoting osteogenesis in patients with periodontal defects. METHODS: A thorough exploration was undertaken across seven electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Web of Science, Ovid) to detect pertinent research in accordance with specified eligibility criteria, aligning with the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers undertook the screening and selection of manuscripts, executed data extraction, and evaluated the bias risk using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for non-randomized clinical trials and SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies. RESULTS: Initially, 799 articles were identified, refined by removing duplicates. After evaluating 471 articles based on title and abstract, 18 studies remained for full-text assessment. Eventually, merely two manuscripts fulfilled all the eligibility criteria concerning human trials. Both studies were prospective non-randomized clinical trials. Moreover, 11 animal studies were also included. CONCLUSIONS: The use of multidimensional, 3D-printed, customized scaffolds appears to stimulate periodontal regeneration. While the reported results are encouraging, additional studies are required to identify the ideal characteristics of the 3D scaffold to be used in the regeneration of periodontal tissue.

Immunological and microbiological findings after the application of two periodontal surgical techniques: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

AIM: To examine microbiological and immunological alterations following two periodontal surgical techniques, over a 6-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 chronic periodontitis patients participated in the present randomized controlled clinical trial and were randomized in two groups. Modified Widman flap (MWF) was applied in the control group and apically positioned flap (APF), without intervention to the bone, in the experimental group. Gingival crevicular fluid samples and subgingival plaque samples from the operated sites were collected at baseline, 6th, 12th and 24th post-operative week. RESULTS: No major differences were noticed in immunological and microbiological profile of patients receiving either modified MWF or APF, for a period of 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of the periodontal surgical procedure does not seem to affect the immunological and the microbiological profile of patients with chronic periodontitis.

Clinical, radiographic, microbiological, and immunological outcomes of flapped vs. flapless dental implants: a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the placement of flapped vs. flapless dental implants utilizing clinical, radiographic, microbiological, and immunological parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients received 30 dental implants following a one-stage protocol. The patients were randomly assigned into two study groups: control group with 15 flapped implants and test group with 15 flapless implants. Follow-up examinations were carried out after 1, 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Clinical recordings, sulcular fluid sampling, microbiological analysis, and digital subtraction radiography were utilized to compare the two surgical approaches. RESULTS: Peri-implant sulcus depth was significantly greater in flapped implants at both 6 and 12 postsurgical weeks (P < 0.001). Flapped implants showed crestal bone loss (0.29 ± 0.06 mm), whereas no bone resorption was detected around flapless implants. Matrix metalloproteinase-8 values were higher to a statistically significant level in the control group at 1 (P = 0.003) and 6 weeks (P = 0.007) after placement. In the test group, the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly higher at the 2nd postoperative week (P = 0.005), whereas the counts of Tannerella forsythia were significantly elevated at the 1st (P = 0.005), 2nd (P = 0.001), and 12th (P = 0.002) postoperative weeks, possibly indicating an earlier formation and maturation of the peri-implant sulcus. Patients reported more pain after flapped implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: Flapless implant placement yielded improved clinical, radiographic, and immunological outcomes compared with flapped implantation. In addition, patients seem to better withstand flapless implant placement.

Prevalence and risk indicators of peri-implantitis: a university based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of peri-implantitis and identify risk and protective indicators of peri-implantitis in a population that underwent implant therapy in a university dental clinic. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Randomly selected patients from a postgraduate university dental clinic were invited to participate. Clinical and radiographic examinations were recorded. Peri-implantitis was defined as the presence of bleeding and/or suppuration on probing, probing depths of ≥ 6 mm, and bone loss ≥ 3 mm. Patient-, implant-, and bone- related factors were recorded and analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 355 dental implants placed in 108 patients and exhibiting at least 1 year loading time were included. The prevalence of peri-implantitis was 21.3% at patient-level, while 10.7% at implant-level. Simultaneous guided bone regeneration (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.07-7.12, P = .035), recurrent periodontitis (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.02-9.45, P = .045) and significant medical history (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.08-7.59, P = .034) were identified as risk indicators for peri-implantitis. The mean peri-implant bone loss was estimated to be 2.18 ± 1.57 mm for the total number of implants, whereas implants diagnosed with peri-implantitis demonstrated 4.42 ± 1.12 mm in a time period between 12 to 177 months. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study, the prevalence of peri-implantitis in a cohort receiving dental implant therapy at a university dental clinic was 10.7% at implant level and 21.3% at patient level. Patient-reported systemic comorbidities and recurrent periodontitis as well as implants placed in ridge augmented sites were associated with greater risk of peri-implantitis.

A Review of the Role of Natural Products as Treatment Approaches for Xerostomia.

Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is a widespread oral health malfunction characterized by decreased salivary flow. This condition results in discomfort, impaired speech and mastication, dysphagia, heightened susceptibility to oral infections, and ultimately, a diminished oral health-related quality of life. The etiology of xerostomia is multifaceted, with primary causes encompassing the use of xerostomic medications, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and systemic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome. Consequently, there is a growing interest in devising management strategies to address this oral health issue, which presents significant challenges due to the intricate nature of saliva. Historically, natural products have served medicinal purposes, and in contemporary pharmaceutical research and development, they continue to play a crucial role, including the treatment of xerostomia. In this context, the present review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding natural compounds and extracts for xerostomia treatment, paving the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies for this common oral health issue.

Crestal bone resorption after the application of two periodontal surgical techniques: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

AIM: To radiographically assess, by means of digital subtraction radiography, crestal bone loss following two periodontal surgical techniques, over a period of 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 chronic periodontitis patients participated in this randomized controlled clinical trial and were separated into two groups. Modified Widman flap was applied in the control group and apically positioned flap, without intervention to the bone, in the experimental group. Clinical measurements (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level) were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Digital radiographs were taken at baseline, 1, 3, 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after surgical treatment and subtracted digitally in pairs. RESULTS: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement of clinical parameters. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed only in probing pocket depth (PPD) at 6 weeks interval, where the test group showed more reduction (smallest statistically significant differences observed, SSSDO = 0.64). Both groups showed the same rate of crestal bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS: Bone resorption of the alveolar crest is a phenomenon that is observed as a consequence of periodontal surgical treatment without significant differences between the two techniques. Furthermore, both surgical techniques lead to satisfactory clinical results, indicating that bone removal during periodontal surgical treatment is not always necessary.

Clinical Effectiveness of Herbal Oral Care Products in Periodontitis Patients: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The use of herbal products in oral cavity has shown an increased popularity and potential benefits due to their additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as the lack of side effects related to their use. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical effectiveness of herbal dental products (mouthwash, dentifrice, gel) when compared to conventional products or placebo in periodontitis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review with 22 studies was carried out using MEDLINE/Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases in addition to hand searches. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effect of any herbal dental product and compared it with conventional products or placebo in periodontitis patients and published up to March 2022, were screened. RESULTS: Herbal products used as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) or supragingival debridement (SPD) led to superior clinical outcomes than placebo or no adjuncts (8 studies). In conjunction with SRP, these products showed comparable outcomes with chlorhexidine (6 studies) or better (4 studies). When used as adjuncts to SPD, herbal oral care products demonstrated comparable outcomes with chlorhexidine and conventional products (4 studies). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this systematic review, herbal oral care products may play a key role in the management of periodontal disease. Further well-designed studies are needed to establish their efficacy.

A Review on Xerostomia and Its Various Management Strategies: The Role of Advanced Polymeric Materials in the Treatment Approaches.

The medical term xerostomia refers to the subjective sensation of oral dryness. The etiology seems to be multifactorial with the most frequently reported causes being the use of xerostomic medications, neck and head radiation, and systematic diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome). Xerostomia is associated with an increased incidence of dental caries, oral fungal infections, and difficulties in speaking and chewing/swallowing, which ultimately affect the oral health-related quality of life. The development of successful management schemes is regarded as a highly challenging project due to the complexity of saliva. This is why, in spite of the fact that there are therapeutic options aiming to improve salivary function, most management approaches are alleviation-oriented. In any case, polymers are an integral part of the various formulations used in every current treatment approach, especially in the saliva substitutes, due to their function as thickening and lubricating agents or, in the case of mucoadhesive polymers, their ability to prolong the treatment effect. In this context, the present review aims to scrutinize the literature and presents an overview of the role of various polymers (or copolymers) on either already commercially available formulations or novel drug delivery systems currently under research and development.