How do you deal with a very dry mouth?

[TedTheMaineCoon]

Hi

I’ve been on the PMR sight for a year , after Gp said I had it . Put on steroids & have had appointments with rheumatologist.

After blood tests, scans & X-rays the rheumatologist says I have rotator cuff disease which being referred to shoulder surgeon and more than likely sjogrens. Blood test showed false negative apparently.

Although I do have the symptoms of SS & Raynauds.

I do chew gum daily & sugar free sweets .

is there anything the gp can prescribe?

Kind Regards

Lesley

[Chris21]

Hi Tedthemainecoon,

yes GP can prescribe mouth spray or gel that you can rub on your gums. i personally didn’t get on with either, but its worth an ask as you may find it works for you. Have you heard of pilocarpine? its medication that helps with dryness, quite a few people find this successful and is by prescription.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to Chris21]

Thank you , will ask Gp .

[dg70]

I agree pilocarpine tablets. Not the most fun to take. They give you a hot flush for a short while after taking and can cause diarreah but they are the only thing that brings immediate moisture. I don't know if you take hydroxychloroquine but I have been a lot better since taking it. That's for a rheumy to prescribe though. I did not show positive bloods for Sjogrens but I have been diagnosed with it and lupus.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to dg70]

Yes I haven’t exactly been diagnosed with sjogrens . But rheumy said about that’s what it seems like . Thanks for advice , appreciated.

[dg70]

Hopefully you'll get hydroxy then. It takes a few months to kick in but no more tongue stuck to the roof of the mouth overnight. At least you're doing what you can with xylitol lozenges. xylimelts are my must have at night. Careful with gum as if you have sjogrens our teeth can get loose very easily and gum may encourage the teeth to wobble. I suck on xylitol mints. There are mouth gels and mouth wash too by oralieve which I think you can get on prescription just ask your gp. Before being diagnosed my mouth and throat were so dry, I couldn't drink enough to make any difference so I know what its like. the BSSA have a helpline if you need any advice. Also watch dr elizabeth price, Rheumatologist, I think under BSSA on you tube as she has so much advice on Sjogrens. She was my Rheumy when I was first diagnosed and an expert in the subject. It gives you more insight as to whether you really have Sjogrens. A lip biopsy should tell if you have.