Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) Syndrome is a disorder of your immune system often defined by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. Oral complications from Sjögren’s can compromise patients’ health and quality of life. For some patients, the complications are often very difficult to tolerate.

Most people with Sjögren's Syndrome are women. It can occur at any age and in any race, is rare in children, and most often shows up after age 40. Sjögren's Syndrome affects more than 4 million people in the United States.

What causes Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease. The immune system should fight diseases by killing off harmful viruses and bacteria. However, in Sjögren's, the immune system begins to attack parts of the body itself. It primarily attacks the glands that make tears and saliva. The damage keeps these glands from working correctly and causes dry eyes and dry mouth.

There is no known cause of Sjögren's Syndrome. Some think it may be caused by a combination of two things:

  • Genes
  • Exposure to viruses or bacteria
What are the symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome?

The main symptoms are:
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry eyes
Saliva is part of the body’s natural immune system. It provides a "first-line-of-defense" against chemical, mechanical and infectious attacks. Without enough saliva, the mouth loses the ability to defend against a number of disease progressions and the growth of harmful bacteria increases. This increase in bacteria produces plaque along the gum line, promotes demineralization of teeth, and creates a burning sensation in the mouth.

Sjögren's Syndrome can also affect other parts of the body, including the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves. Other symptoms can include:

  • Dry skin
  • Skin rashes
  • Chronic dry cough
  • Thyroid problems
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs
  • Oral thrush (Candidiasis)
Sjögren's can also make you very tired.
Increased Susceptibility to Dry Mouth
In Sjögren's, your immune system attacks the healthy soft tissue of the mouth. The mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your mouth are usually affected first, resulting in decreased production of saliva and increased susceptibility to oral complications, including:

  • Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
  • Oral thrush (Candidiasis)
  • Hoarseness
  • Throat irritation
  • Dental cavities
  • Change in sense of taste
  • Difficulty in swallowing and chewing

To learn more, please see:

Dry Mouth information Medication Side Effects information
Oral Relief Protocol
for Sjögren's Syndrome

The MEDActive® Oral Relief Protocol is an effective regimen for relieving the oral discomfort associated with Sjögren's Syndrome.

To relieve the discomfort caused by Sjögren's calls for:

  • Cleaning
  • Lubricating
  • Moisturizing
  • Protecting

Recommended Daily Oral Regimen for Sjögren's Syndrome Relief:

Cleaning

STEP 1. Floss

Floss at least once a day to remove debris and plaque from between teeth. Rinse mouth with water after flossing.

STEP 2. Brush

Brush teeth and gums with a soft bristle toothbrush at least twice daily. Thoroughly clean your toothbrush with hot water after each use. Replace toothbrush at least every three months or until bristles are frayed.

STEP 3. Rinse

Using MEDActive® Oral Relief Rinse, apply about half of the rinse for at least 60 seconds. Swish rinse over all mouth surfaces to make contact with teeth, gums, tongue, and palette. Gently gargle for 10-15 seconds with remaining half. Expectorate (Spit). For optimal effectiveness, tilt head back while gargling to reach back of the throat. Note: Do not eat or drink for at least 15 minutes after rinsing. Use the rinse once daily, just prior to retiring at night.

Lubricating

STEP 4. Spray

Use MEDActive® Oral Relief Spray as needed throughout the day. Apply 3-4 sprays on tongue; swish vigorously to cover all mouth surfaces. Note: Avoid food and drinks for at least 10 minutes after use.

Moisturizing

STEP 5. Lozenges

Recommended Use: Up to 8 MEDActive® Oral Relief Lozenges per day. For optimal effectiveness in enhancing saliva, eventually move lozenge under the tongue. Note: Avoid drinks for at least 15 minutes after use.

Protecting

  • Continue flossing and rinsing daily, preferably just before retiring at night.
  • Brush at least twice a day.
  • Supplement daily rinsing and flossing with spray and lozenges as required throughout the day. Preferably use the spray after meals, snacks, and coffee breaks.
  • Schedule regular visits with your dental professional for cleanings and exams. If you notice any signs or symptoms that may suggest oral health problems, contact your doctor and/or dental professional.

Other Considerations
  • Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, as these will make your mouth drier.
  • Avoid candy, gum, and soda unless they are sugar-free.
  • Avoid spicy or acidic foods, toothpicks, tobacco products, and alcohol.
  • Keep the appointment schedule recommended by your doctor and/or dental professional.
  • Notify your doctor and/or dental professional about any changes in your oral health.

Remember, Sjögren's Syndrome is a serious oral condition that causes inevitable downstream damage to the teeth and the soft tissue in the mouth. It can also negatively impact the body's ability to deal with other serious health issues and significantly impact quality of life. Persons classified as "At-Risk" or "High-Risk" because of age, occupation, environmental or health factors should pay very special attention to the mouth's care and condition. MEDActive® Oral Relief Products and Protocols provide safe and highly effective tools to clean, lubricate, moisten and protect.

MEDActive® Oral Relief for Sjögren's Syndrome

The MEDActive® Quick Relief for Sjögren's Syndrome Kit when used with the Recommended Daily Oral Regimen for Sjögren's Syndrome will relieve oral thrush discomfort and protect oral health.

The MEDActive® Quick Relief for Sjögren's Syndrome Kit contains:

  • 4 Patient-Friendly™ Oral Relief Sprays
  • 120 Patient-Friendly™ Oral Relief Lozenges for Dry Mouth


For further product information, see below:

Oral Relief Rinse
Oral Relief Spray
Oral Relief Lozenges

For purchase information, see below:



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