New Clinical Study Supports Electrical Stimulation

At Saliwell, we are committed to advancing innovative, non-pharmacological solutions for xerostomia, also known as dry mouth. A new randomized controlled trial (RCT) published in 2025 in the JDR Clinical & Translational Research provides strong evidence supporting our approach, demonstrating that electrical stimulation of the lingual nerve can significantly mitigate xerostomia symptoms.

Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of dry mouth, affects millions of people; it not only causes discomfort but also increases the risk of dental caries and periodontal disease, and impacts the quality of life by making it difficult to swallow, speak, and taste. 

Xerostomia is typically a symptom of an underlying condition or treatment rather than a disease itself; the most common cause is medication (including those for ADHD like Ritalin or for diabetes/weight management like Ozempic), while other causes include autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s syndrome, radiation therapy, and more. 

Saliwell solutions offer a different approach: SaliPen, which addresses dry mouth at its source through drug-free electrical stimulation, without the systemic side effects associated with medications. This study explains more about this approach and why it works. 

Overview: Why Lingual Nerve Stimulation Works

The lingual nerve is an important relay highway, carrying nerve signals from the brain to saliva-secreting glands. In people with xerostomia, targeted electrical impulses to the lingual nerve stimulate these underactive pathways to cause more salivary secretion (which is similar to how saliva-inducing medications work, but electrostimulation is drug-free).

2025 Study Design and Methods: Testing Electrostimulation as a Dry Mouth Treatment Method

In the 2025 RCT, researchers conducted a double-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 47 participants with xerostomia. The study ran from August 2021 to November 2022.

Participants were randomized one-to-one; one group received electrical stimulation (ES) and the second group received the sham treatment. 

Each participant received a custom intraoral device made from dental impressions and thermoplastic sheets. Two electrodes were placed precisely to target the path of the lingual nerve, which innervates key salivary glands. 

The ES group received active stimulation, while the sham group used devices that looked identical but delivered no current. Treatment lasted 12 weeks, with assessments at baseline and every 2 weeks.

Blinding was foolproof: participants, evaluators, and statisticians were unaware of which participants were in which group. The study followed CONSORT guidelines, and statistical analyses included intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches.

Results: Clinically Meaningful Dry Mouth Improvement

The trial found that targeted electrical stimulation of the lingual nerve significantly reduced xerostomia symptoms compared to the sham device. Participants who received the treatment reported greater improvement in their dry mouth symptoms, with nearly 62% reporting an improvement in how often they experienced dry mouth, compared with 29% in the control group. Improvements in the ES group were progressive, becoming statistically significant by week 8 and continuing through week 12.

The therapy also increased unstimulated salivary flow, suggesting that electrical stimulation may help restore natural saliva production rather than simply masking symptoms. Participants also reported better oral health-related quality of life, including fewer problems during meals, greater eating comfort, and improvement in everyday activities and overall well-being.

Safety was excellent. Adverse events were mild (i.e., minor mucosal redness in a small percentage) and resolved with device adjustments. No severe events occurred, supporting the noninvasive nature of lingual nerve stimulation.

Overall, the findings suggest that lingual nerve stimulation is a safe, non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing dry mouth.

Relevance to Saliwell’s SaliPen Technology

The technology behind SaliPen is based on the same principle used in the RCT; the device delivers gentle electrical impulses to the oral cavity to stimulate saliva production naturally. 

While the 2025 RCT used a custom-fitted device for the lingual nerve, and the SaliPen is not customized, the idea of neuromodulation for xerostomia is the same. Patients using SaliPen often report increased comfort, better moisture retention, and improved daily function, aligning with the trial’s results.

This research strengthens the case for electrostimulation as a first-line or adjunctive dry mouth therapy, especially for those seeking drug-free options amid concerns over medication side effects or interactions. 

Electrostimulation as Part of a Comprehensive Dry Mouth Treatment Strategy

Unlike many medical conditions, xerostomia is often best managed with a combination of treatments tailored to the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms.

Prescription medications such as pilocarpine and cevimeline can stimulate saliva production and are effective for some patients. However, because they work systemically, they are often accompanied by unpleasant side effects such as sweating, nausea, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Artificial saliva products, such as oral sprays, gels, and rinses, can provide temporary relief by lubricating the mouth, but they don’t stimulate natural saliva production or address the underlying cause of the condition. As a result, their effects are typically short-term and frequent reapplication is often needed.

Lifestyle adjustments also play an important role in dry mouth management. Staying well hydrated, limiting caffeine and alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce symptoms and protect oral health. However, while these strategies are valuable, they are usually not enough to manage xerostomia on their own

This is where electrostimulation offers an advantage. Rather than replacing moisture or managing symptoms, it encourages the body’s natural salivary response without the side effects associated with medication. Used alongside appropriate lifestyle measures and other supportive therapies, electrostimulation can play an important role in a comprehensive, long-term dry mouth management strategy

Conclusion: Electrostimulation of the Lingual Nerve is a Viable Dry Mouth Treatment

The 2025 study adds important clinical evidence that targeted electrical stimulation is an effective, noninvasive, and nonpharmacological treatment strategy for xerostomia. For the millions experiencing dry mouth due to medications and chronic conditions, a drug-free solution can restore ease and comfort to daily activities. 

At Saliwell, we continue to champion these science-backed approaches. If you struggle with persistent dry mouth, consult your healthcare provider about whether electrostimulation devices like SaliPen might be suitable for you. Staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene, and addressing underlying causes remain foundational, but emerging technologies can take your dry mouth treatment plan to the next level. 

FAQs

What is the lingual nerve and how is it related to dry mouth?

The lingual nerve runs along the tongue-side of the lower jaw and acts as a relay highway, carrying nerve signals from the brain to saliva-secreting glands. The study placed electrodes near it to deliver mild electrical impulses that activate pathways promoting saliva production.

How does the 2025 RCT compare to SaliPen?

Both use intraoral electrical stimulation to encourage natural saliva production. The RCT supports the underlying principle of using intraoral electrical stimulation to promote natural saliva production, and SaliPen offers a convenient, FDA-cleared solution for ongoing management.

Is SaliPen a suitable dry mouth treatment for everyone?

SaliPen is suited for most people with xerostomia, but not everyone. Always discuss new treatments with your dentist or physician to ensure your safety.

What’s the difference between SaliPen and SaliVance?

SaliPen is an FDA-cleared medical device that provides active saliva stimulation by delivering gentle micro-pulses to trigger natural saliva production. It is ideal for moderate to severe oral dryness.

SaliVance is an oral wellness product that supports natural oral hydration through gentle oral contact that encourages a feeling of oral moisture. It is ideal for mild to moderate oral dryness.

Where can I learn more about Saliwell solutions?

Visit our website for details on SaliPen, SaliVance, and resources for living with dry mouth.