Salivary gland aplasia
Salivary gland aplasia is the congenital absence of salivary glands. Usually the term relates to the absence of some or all of the major salivary glands.
It is a rare condition, and most known cases have been in association with syndromes of the ectodermal tissues, particularly the lacrimal apparatus. Example syndromes which have been reported with salivary gland aplasia include hereditary ectodermal dysplasia, mandibulofacial dysostosis and hemifacial microsomia.
The main significance of the condition is a lack of saliva, causing xerostomia, with accompanying susceptibility to dental caries, infections of the mouth, and upper respiratory tract infections. Patients with salivary gland aplasia typically require regular application of topical fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
