is some low-quality evidence to suggest that amifostine prevents the feeling of dry mouth or reduce the risk of moderate to severe xerostomia in people receiving radiotherapy to the head and neck (with or without chemotherapy) in the short- (end of radiotherapy) to medium-term (three months postradiotherapy). But, it is less clear whether or not this effect is sustained to 12 months postradiotherapy. A 2013 review looking at non-pharmacological interventions reported a lack of evidence to support the effects of electrostimulation devices, or acupuncture, on symptoms of dry mouth. Epidemiology Xerostomia is a very common symptom. A conservative estimate of prevalence is about 20% in the general population, with increased prevalences in females (up to 30%) and the elderly (up to 50%). Estimates of the prevalence of persistent dry mouth vary between 10 and 50%. History Xerostomia has been used as a test to detect lies, which relied on emotional inhibition of salivary secretions to indicate possible incrimination. See also Xerosis (dry skin) References External links University of Illinois at Chicago NIH MedlinePlus Encyclopedia Drymouth Drymouth Drug Database Dermatologic terminology Saliva Symptoms and signs Symptoms and signs: Digestive system and abdomen