Which of the following effects is not likely to be seen in a patient suffering from xerostomia?

In a patient suffering from xerostomia, excessive salivation is not a typical effect because xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is characterized by a significant decrease in saliva production. This reduction in saliva can lead to multiple oral health issues.

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining oral health; it aids in the digestion process, provides lubrication for swallowing, protects the teeth from decay, and helps regulate the balance of oral bacteria. When a patient has dry mouth due to typically affected salivary glands, they may experience difficulty swallowing, increased risk of dental caries (cavities) due to reduced self-cleansing properties of saliva, and altered taste sensation, which can diminish their ability to enjoy food.

Thus, the presence of excessive salivation would contradict the condition of xerostomia, as the hallmark of this condition is the lack of saliva, leading to various complications in oral and overall health.