Effective Dry Mouth Treatment for People with MS

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) presents a complex array of challenges, some widely recognized, others less discussed. One of the less talked about symptoms experienced by some people with MS is dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. While it might seem minor compared to more overt neurological symptoms, dry mouth can significantly decrease your quality of life.

In this post, we’ll explore why dry mouth can occur with MS, what it means for your wellbeing, and the range of dry mouth treatment options available, intraoral electrostimulation via the SaliPen, medications, saliva substitutes, and natural dry mouth remedies. 

Why is Dry Mouth a Common Side Effect of MS?

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness, muscle weakness, vision problems, coordination issues, and dry mouth. 

Dry mouth is a condition that results from improperly functioning salivary glands, which means they either produce not enough saliva, or poor quality saliva. 

In people with multiple sclerosis, there are several possible reasons why the salivary glands might malfunction:

 

• Medication 

Medication is one of the most common causes of dry mouth, both in people with MS and in the general population. Specifically with MS, many drugs used to treat its symptoms — such as antispasticity agents, antidepressants, and bladder control medications — list dry mouth as a side effect. 

• Neurological disruption

MS affects the central nervous system, which controls many autonomic bodily functions. If the nerves that signal the salivary glands are impaired, the production of saliva may be reduced, leading directly to dry mouth.

• Associated autoimmune conditions

Some people with MS experience secondary autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, which specifically targets moisture-producing glands, including the salivary glands.

Regardless of the cause, the symptoms can cause extreme discomfort, including difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing, increased risk of tooth decay, loss of taste, and more.

Why Dry Mouth Treatment is Important

Saliva plays a crucial role in oral and general health by:

• Moistening and breaking down food for easier swallowing and digestion
• Protecting teeth from decay by washing away food particles and neutralizing acids
• Fighting infections by controlling bacteria and germs in the mouth
• Enhancing the ability to taste and speak comfortably

When saliva production drops, the effects go beyond a dry or sticky feeling in the mouth. Over time, poor oral hygiene, gum disease, cavities, and even malnutrition can become real risks.

Dry Mouth Treatment Options for People with MS

Treating the root cause of dry mouth is often difficult, or not yet possible. For example, there is no cure for Sjrogen’s syndrome or diabetes, two common causes of dry mouth, but there are many ways to treat and manage their symptoms. The same is true for MS — there is no current cure, but there are various treatments to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and reduce the quantity and severity of relapses. 

The most effective treatments for managing dry mouth include:

• Intraoral electrostimulation: The SaliPen is an intraoral electrostimulation device that delivers small electrical impulses to the oral cavity, stimulating it gently, with no side effects. Because MS can affect the nerve signals involved in saliva production, the SaliPen’s method of stimulating those nerves directly offers a unique advantage. 
• Prescription medications like pilocarpine or cevimeline, which stimulate saliva production in people whose glands are still functional.
• Saliva substitutes, such as sugar-free gum, lozenges, mouthwashes or sprays, which provide artificial saliva for temporary relief.

Different people respond differently to various treatment options, so if you have MS, it’s important to work with your healthcare providers to achieve the right treatment and/or dosage. 

Natural Dry Mouth Remedies

Chronic dry mouth typically requires medical intervention, but there are several natural lifestyle changes you can undertake to increase the effectiveness of these treatments. 

• Drink lots of water: While water can’t replace saliva, it can ensure that your body has enough fluids with which the salivary glands can manufacture saliva. 
• Avoid harmful substances: Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and cause dehydration, while tobacco unleashes a slew of harmful effects on oral health. For anyone suffering from dry mouth, it’s best to decrease your intake or avoid them altogether. 
• Suck on sugar free candy and chew sugar-free gum: These stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Look for products containing xylitol, which may also help protect against cavities. (And avoid sugary candies and gum, as sugar can spike your blood pressure, which can lead to dehydration and dry mouth.)
• Practice good oral hygiene: A lack of saliva drastically increases the risk of rampant cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Practicing good oral hygiene habits can help stave off the harmful effects of dry mouth. Good habits include daily brushing and flossing, using a fluoride toothpaste, and regular dentists visits.

What to Discuss With Your Healthcare Providers

If you have MS, it’s important to talk to your team of healthcare providers before starting any new treatment. Some relevant questions to ask are:

• What is the root cause of your dry mouth?
• What are the side effects of each treatment option?
• How can you integrate new treatments with your current medication and routine?
• How can you protect your oral health through preventive care?

Taking Control of Your Dry Mouth Management

If you have MS, you have enough on your hands without having to worry about dry mouth. Fortunately, there are non-invasive ways to manage it, from hydration and oral hygiene to cutting-edge solutions like intraoral electrostimulation.

Living with MS means navigating a lot of uncertainty, but your comfort doesn’t have to take a back seat. By understanding the root causes of dry mouth and exploring the full range of treatment options, you can take a proactive step toward reclaiming your oral health and overall wellbeing.

FAQS

Why do people with MS get dry mouth?

People with MS may get dry mouth because nerve damage can affect the signals that control saliva production. Also, certain medications often used to manage MS symptoms list dry mouth as a possible side effect.

Is dry mouth in MS permanent?

It depends on the cause. If dry mouth is due to medication side effects, adjusting the dosage or changing drugs (under medical guidance) might help. If it’s caused by nerve damage or an autoimmune condition, it may be more persistent but can still be managed with treatment.

Do MS symptoms, including dry mouth, get worse at night?

Many people with MS report that certain symptoms, such as muscle spasms, fatigue, and nerve pain, are worse at night. Dry mouth symptoms may also feel worse at night because saliva production naturally decreases during sleep. If you breathe through your mouth or have sleep disturbances related to MS, this can further dry out your mouth overnight.

How does the SaliPen work as a dry mouth treatment?

The SaliPen is a small, handheld, battery-operated device shaped like a pair of slim, flexible prongs. These are placed inside the mouth, typically twice a day for a few minutes, where they deliver mild electrical pulses to stimulate the salivary nerves and glands. The pulses are so gentle that most users report no discomfort, or just a mild tingling. Over time, many users report improved saliva flow without the need for drugs, sprays, or constant chewing. 

When should I see a dentist or doctor about dry mouth?

If you notice you’re having difficulty chewing or swallowing, if you experience frequent, unquenchable thirst, or if cavities and gum disease are flaring up, you should speak to a healthcare provider — early intervention can help prevent further complications. 

Oral medicine and pathology specialists are the most qualified healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and treat dry mouth. However, dry mouth is often first spotted during routine dental checkups, or by primary care doctors, endocrinologists, and ENT specialists.

Early intervention can help prevent complications.