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Guide to Sjogren's Syndrome

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

Updated: February 25, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

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Part 9 of 10 - What Can I Do About Dry Mouth?

Tips

  • If you still produce some saliva, you can stimulate glands to make more by chewing gum or sucking on hard candy. However, they must be sugar free because dry mouth makes you extremely prone to cavities.
  • Take sips of water or a sugar free drink often throughout the day to wet your mouth, especially when eating or talking.
  • You should only take sips of water, drinking large amounts of liquid will not make your mouth any less dry. It will make you urinate more often and may strip your mouth of mucus, causing even more dryness.
  • Soothe dry, cracked lips by using oil or petroleum based lip balm or lipstick.
  • If your mouth hurts, the doctor may give you medicine in a mouth rinse, ointment, or gel to apply to the sore areas.
  • Saliva Substitutes

    If you produce very little saliva or none at all, your doctor may recommend a saliva substitute. These products mimic some of the properties of saliva, which means they make the mouth feel wet, and if they contain fluoride, they can help prevent cavities. Gel-based saliva substitutes tend to give the longest relief, effects are limited since you eventually swallow them.

    Drugs

    Drugs that stimulate the salivary glands to produce saliva are available. However, they are not suitable for everyone, talk to your doctor about whether they might help you.

    Mouth Infections

    People with dry mouth can easily get mouth infections. Candidiasis is common and is treated with antifungal drugs. Various viruses and bacteria can also cause mouth infections.

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