Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.

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vetteme4 07/25/2015

I have Sjogrens and I also have sleep apnea. I have dealt with dry mouth with the sleep apnea for 10 years now. But add the Sjogrens to the mix and I am miserable at night. I use Biotene rinse and my dentist said to use the Biotene gel at night. Sometimes it helps but most times it doesn't. Any ideas on how to keep some moisture in the mouth at night?

twinmomab 07/25/2015

I like Thayers Dry Mouth Spray, I usually use it during the day. I also use Tom's mouthwash in the morning and at night, and I like it better than Biotene. I find keeping my nasal cavity moist also helps with my mouth. I use Ayers nasal gel all day, and by using all of them it has helped me a lot.

There's an actually prescription the doctor can give you but I can't remember the name. Ask your Rheumy and they will know what you're talking about.

angee7 07/25/2015

Yes, the name of the prescription medicine is: Pilocarpine (generic for Salagen).

I tried it once and it really produces moisture/saliva. But, I had to keep swallowing, and I don't think my dry mouth is severe enough for medication, yet.

Good luck.

vetteme4 07/26/2015

Thank you both so much. I will definitely try these different products and see how they work. Never thought about keeping the nasal passages moisturized but it makes sense. Have a great day!

mike45 07/27/2015

I have used OraMoist. It's a small round tablet that sticks to the roof of your mouth and dissolves during the night.

JerryMc 07/29/2015

I have a prescription that is supposed to help but it hasn't helped me. I can't think of the name of it right now. Biotene spray is the only thing I have found that works for me. The Biotene rinse didn't help at all but the spray does but it's harder to find. I get it at CVS or Walmart when they have it.

jewl12 07/30/2015

I use Biotene spray also. I usually have to use it a couple of times a night. I've tried CVS brand but it's not as good as Biotene. I've also used the Oramoist tablets. They work pretty well too but they are hard to find and I don't really like the taste much. I sleep with a night guard because I grind my teeth and I think that makes my mouth dryer.

WarriorGal 07/30/2015

I like Thayers Dry Mouth spray best, too and i thi nk I've tried therm all.

I also like ACT Dry Mouth Lozenges.

BUT.... if nothing is working, talk to your doc about being on RX Evoxac for dry mouth, There is also another RX dry mouth medication. I take Evoxac and it helps me.

vetteme4 07/31/2015

Thanks again for your responses. I will try them all to see which one works best for me. Have a great weekend!

BeckyJoMcd 08/02/2015

Sine you mentioned that you have sleep apnea, I assume that you are on a CPAP machine to treat it. My CPAP machine also has a humidifier on it which provides moisture all night. I also use a chin strap to keep my mouth closed as I'm a mouth breather and that really helps too.

vetteme4 08/03/2015

Becky, I just had a cpap sleep study and they mentioned something about a chin strap. Where do you get it? My cpap does have the humidifier and this week I get a new machine that automatically adjusts the pressure as needed. Have a great day!

unexpectedanswer 08/25/2015

Has anyone lost most of their teeth due to Sjogren's Syndrome? Has anyone had success with good habits that keep you from getting crowns/etc?

jewl12 08/26/2015

twinmomab, where do you get the Thayers Spray? I haven't seen it in any of the places that I get the Biotene spray. I can only find it and store brands.

unexpectedanswer 08/27/2015

Jewl, I have bought Thayers Dry Mouth spray online from Amazon, Vitacost, and Drugstore.

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