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.

[selbelle]

Hello thereDry mouth tends to affect everything from speaking, swallowing and chewing.That has been my experience too and I was put on pilocarpine. ... it has to be prescribed and it does have side effects but I take it as when I need it the most as my dry mouth can be severe at times. I hope this helps.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to selbelle]

Thank you ☺️ I’ve been given a spray ( prescription) seems to be working 👍🏼

[weathervane in reply to selbelle]

Hi selbelle , my mouth nose and eyes have become worse, I was wondering about pilocarpine , but worried about side effects. Did your gp prescribe or does it have to be done through rheumatology ?

[LindyK]

Xylimelts available on Amazon are the only thing that work for me. The Xylimelt disks stick on the sides of your mouth and stay on all night. I use four disks per night. I can’t go without them.

[TedTheMaineCoon in reply to LindyK]

Thanks for heads up !