dry mouth?

[trud]

Does anyone else have dry mouth? I am looking for info about how much trouble it causes you in terms of sore throat, pain in mouth, etc, so I can understand what's due to dry mouth, what allergies, how to distinguish it from effects of sinusitis.

I also have dry eyes, which are much easier to care for. Chronic myofascial pain syndrome and costochondritis.

Nothing I've tried for dry mouth has helped at all.

I am negative on the Sjogrens test.

Thanks.

[murielm99]

1. I get it from the medications I take.

Ask your dentist. I can't think of anything else to tell you.

[trud]

2. thanks, Muriel

It may be a side effect of one med I take, but there's no alternative to the med. I am going to see a rheumatologist in hopes he has some ideas.

Is there anything you do that makes it more comfortable?

[murielm99]

3. I get Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash from

my dentist. Also, I have found that it is best to limit caffeine. It dries my mouth, too.

[Warpy]

4. I'm surprised your blood work was negative for Sjogren's

but my own diagnosis was from salivary gland biopsy.

There is a medication to increase salivation but I can't speak to its effectiveness. I just keep a bottle of water or soda with me at all times. Hard candy, especially sour candy, helps too. Just make it sugarless because dental problems are severe with dry mouth for any reason.

Your doctor is your best resource.