Deep Dive: The SaliPen as a Crucial Component of a Holistic Dry Mouth Treatment Plan

September 18, 2024 | Aging / Dry Mouth / Oral Health / SaliPen® / Saliva / Salivary Glands / Xerostomia

Dry mouth is a pervasive problem among the elderly, and recently has been affecting the younger population more as well. As a fairly prevalent condition, geriatricians, dentists, and oral health specialists are familiar with the most common dry mouth treatments: medication and artificial saliva. But today, there’s an increasingly common third dry mouth therapy option: electrostimulation. 

 

The SaliPen is an FDA-approved electrostimulation device and an ideal dry mouth treatment option as it can be done at home, is non-invasive, and has no side effects. However, like all dry mouth treatments, the effectiveness of the SaliPen can be impacted by many other factors. Dr. Andy Wolff, Oral Medicine Specialist and creator of the SaliPen, explains how the electrostimulation device is a crucial aspect of dry mouth treatment — but it’s not used in a vacuum. Many other factors can impact its effectiveness. 

 

In this blog post, we’ll go through the steps of dry mouth treatment via the SaliPen: 

  • Diagnosing dry mouth
  • Factors that positively and negatively influence the effectiveness of the SaliPen
  • Ensuring healthcare professionals stay in the loop for a comprehensive treatment plan

 

The First Step: Diagnosing Dry Mouth

Diagnosing dry mouth might seem simple: if a patient tells their medical professional that their mouth is dry, or presents with cracked, parched lips and tongue, it may seem safe to assume they have dry mouth. However, “dry mouth” is a term often used interchangeably for two conditions that may or may not be related:

  • Xerostomia: An individual’s subjective perception of dry mouth
  • Hyposalivation: A reduced salivary flow rate

 

Healthcare professionals must determine which condition is plaguing their patients in order to prescribe effective treatment. To effectively diagnose the condition, they should record the following details:

  • The patient’s main complaint(s)
  • History of dental and oral diseases, including any previous dry mouth treatment 
  • If the patient suffers from xerostomia, its etiology and severity

 

Some patients don’t know which symptoms are important to mention. Therefore, asking the right questions can help get a clearer picture. Questions to ask, either verbally or on a questionnaire, include:

  • Do you need to do something to keep your mouth moist?
  • Do you get out of bed at night to drink water?
  • Do you have difficulties speaking due to lack of mouth lubrication?
  • Do you have difficulties swallowing dry food?

 

To diagnose hyposalivation, reduced saliva production (as opposed to xerostomia, the subjective feeling of dry mouth), medical professionals can administer tests to check how much the unstimulated whole saliva rate and stimulated whole saliva rate. 

 

The Second Step: Choosing the SaliPen an Effective Dry Mouth Treatment

Dr. Wolff created the SaliPen to combat what he saw two major deficiencies in the current dry mouth treatment options. 

  • Medication to stimulate the salivary glands has many negative side effects. 
  • Artificial saliva treats the symptoms but not the cause. 

 

The SaliPen addresses both of these issues as it naturally stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva, without negative side effects. 

 

Because the secretion of saliva is so complex, there are many different factors that may counteract the positive effects of the SaliPen. Therefore, Dr. Wolff recommends a holistic approach to dry mouth treatment. 

 

Factors That May Negative Impact Effects of the SaliPen

Several factors can negatively affect oral health. These include:

  • Medications: Many drugs, specifically those used to treat chronic diseases like high blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, depression, anxiety, and urological problems and others, have the side effect of dry mouth. These are not “optional” drugs that people can do without — they are necessary for getting through daily life. Therefore, cutting them out isn’t an option. However, certain drugs may be replaced with similar ones that treat their conditions without causing dry mouth. In other cases, the dose of certain drugs can be changed to minimize uncomfortable side effects. Patients, however, should never attempt replacements or dosage changes on their own — they should always consult a healthcare professional. 
  • Habits: Smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine have a drying effect on the mouth.
  • Body hydration: Insufficient fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which directly affects saliva production. 
  • Mouth breathing: Mouth breathing, especially while sleeping, can cause the mouth to dry out. There are various exercises that people can do to train themselves to breathe through their noses.  
  • Mood: Depression and anxiety have a negative effect on saliva secretion. Unfortunately, the drugs used to treat these conditions often cause dry mouth as well. 
  • Ambient humidity: A dry atmosphere increases the sensation of oral dryness. Using a humidifier can provide relief. 
  • Season and temperature: Secretion of saliva is lower in summer and when the temperature is high, leading to increased oral dryness. While there is nothing that can be done about the weather, being aware can ensure that patients get a little more help during these months. 

 

Factors That Positively Impact the Effects of the SaliPen

  • Type of food eaten: As chewing is a strong stimulator of saliva secretion, people who eat foods that require chewing can give their salivary glands a natural extra boost. Eating soft food that doesn’t require chewing only enhances poor saliva secretion. 
  • Consistency of SaliPen usage: Consistent use of the SaliPen increases its effectiveness. (Much like working out consistently builds muscles.) Consistent use of the SaliPen can counteract many of the negative factors listed above. 
  • Time: Clinical studies have shown improvement in saliva secretion until eight months of use, then stabilization. Patients who use the SaliPen for just a few months won’t feel its full effects. 

 

Healthcare Professional Involvement in Dry Mouth Treatment = Better Chance of Successful Treatment

Dry mouth diagnosis and treatment is many-faceted and complex. Healthcare professionals should encourage their patients to share as much information as possible with them so they can craft the best possible dry mouth treatment plans. Whether patients suffer from xerostomia, hyposalivation, or both, the SaliPen effectively stimulates the salivary glands to produce more saliva. When patients and healthcare professionals work together, they can greatly increase the SaliPen’s effectiveness — and as such, also the patient’s quality of life.

 

FAQS

Is it necessary to diagnose dry mouth?

Yes, diagnosis is important as it can differentiate between xerostomia and hyposalivation. Treatment is based on the underlying condition. 

 

How does the SaliPen work?

SaliPen sends electrical pulses of specific patterns that stimulate the nerves associated with salivary gland secretion. The stimulated nerves excite the salivary glands to secrete more natural saliva.

 

Can I feel the electrical pulses?

Typically, no. The pulse intensity is below the human sensitivity level. However, some patients may feel a mild pulsation.

 

Is the SaliPen a miracle cure for dry mouth?

No, there is no such thing as a miracle cure for anything. Rather, the SaliPen is one of many FDA-approved dry mouth therapy options, with clinical trials showing it to be effective in increasing saliva production. 

 

Where can I purchase the SaliPen?

You can purchase the SaliPen here.