Ruth/dry mouth

[Guest guest]

Dry Mouth is also known as SJOGREN'S SYNDROME. You can find out more

about it on the Internet. Just contact the US department of Health and

Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Institute

of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).Get

publication NIH No.01-4861 - dated January 2001 (they may have a later

one, but mine is 2001) The pamphlet I have comes from...Lupus Foundation

of AmericaSoutheast Florida Chapter75 NE 6th Avenue, Suite 223Delray

Beach, FL 334831-and ask for the SJOGREN'S SYNDROME

pamphlet from NIH. You will probably get more information than you asked

for...but I hope it helps. I just try and keep my mouth damp or

wet....but DO NOT suck on hard candy. Dentist said that is the worst

thing to do because the sugar will stay in the mouth and cause decay. He

also said it was not necessary to pull teeth. Just brush, floss and try

and keep the mouth wet. I usually keep a date pit or cherry pit tucked

in my mouth to keep the saliva flowing. Good luck. I hope I helped. ruth

in New York

Ruth,

Sjogren's Syndrome is it's own illness. Xerostomia is the technical term

for dry mouth and it is a symptom of Sjogren's. I just don't want

everyone running to their dentist saying " I have Sjogren's " because that

would not be accurate.

That said, your DDS told you the right things! Dry mouth + sugar =

BIGTIME decay. Be careful with the dates, though, they fall into that

" perceived healthy snack " catagory which they are not.....just like

raisins which as far as your teeth are concerned are just another sticky

carb. Sugarless gum is great for stimulating saliva (but can also

stimulate hunger). LOTS of water and meticulous dental hygiene. Did he

suggest extra fluoride? Ask your pharmacist for Prevident 5000. Like

the Niferex iron you've been hearing a lot about on this list, it's one

of those that you don't need a Rx for but it's in the pharmacy and you

have to ask for it. Prevident is great stuff and can help arrest early

decay if used properly.

good luck!

Sharon P.

Rny 7-30-01