World Sjögren’s Day: Shedding Light on a Common, Often Undiagnosed, Cause of Dry Mouth

July 23 is World Sjögren’s Day, a day designated to annually honor Dr. Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified Sjögren’s Syndrome in 1933, and to raise awareness of this prevalent condition. 

 

Sjögren’s syndrome is a complex autoimmune disease that is underdiagnosed, often misunderstood, and more common than many realize. One of its earliest and most persistent symptoms is chronic dry mouth.

 

For many people, this symptom may seem minor, even tolerable, but those living with it know that dry mouth severely impacts their quality of life. From eating to talking to sleeping, dry mouth is a symptom that permeates different aspects of daily life, creating round-the-clock challenges. 

 

In fact, the terminology of this condition is shifting to favor “Sjögren disease” over “Sjögren’s syndrome,” arguing that the term “syndrome” underestimates the seriousness and systemic nature of the condition.

 

While there is no cure yet for Sjögren’s syndrome, there are many dry mouth treatments, including: 

• Electrostimulation via the Salipen, a small device that stimulates the body’s natural saliva production.
• Medication that pharmacologically stimulates the body to produce more saliva.
• Saliva substitutes that provide temporary dry mouth relief by supplying artificial saliva to the oral cavity. 

 

Dry mouth treatments can be life changing for those suffering from a broader autoimmune condition like Sjögren’s syndrome.

 

Sjögren’s Syndrome: More Than Dry Mouth and Eyes 

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its moisture-producing glands, most notably causing dry mouth and dry eyes. The disorder can also affect joints, skin, lungs, kidneys, and nerves — it presents differently in different individuals.

 

There are two categories of Sjögren’s syndrome: Primary and secondary. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome occurs as a standalone condition, while secondary is typically associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and more. Both types are thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact causal mechanism is as yet unknown. 

 

Despite its wide-reaching impact, Sjögren’s syndrome is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed because many symptoms can be attributed to other causes, or they are simply thought of as a natural part of aging. 

 

In the first scenario, patients can spend years bouncing between specialists to treat their various symptoms — dry eyes, dry mouth, skin rashes, arthritis, and more —  without anyone connecting the dots. By the time a proper diagnosis is made, the disease may have already affected multiple systems in the body.

 

In the second scenario, when people think dry eyes, dry mouth, or joint pain are part of the natural aging process, they don’t seek medical help. They think they just need to buckle down and live with the discomfort and pain.

 

Due to the underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, it’s unclear how many people suffer from it globally. Estimates range from 400,000 to 3.1 million adults. 

 

Why Oral Health Deserves More Attention in Autoimmune Conditions

Unfortunately, in autoimmune diseases like Sjögren’s, oral health is often treated as secondary. But when left unmanaged, chronic dry mouth can have serious consequences. 

 

Dry mouth is more than just feeling thirsty — the continual lack of saliva makes it difficult to chew, swallow, speak, and greatly increases the risk for rampant dental cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. 

 

This is why dry mouth treatment should be a priority, not an afterthought. The developers of the SaliPen understood that a lack of saliva is extremely detrimental to oral health, but weren’t satisfied with the then-current dry mouth treatments:

• Medications like Cevimelene and Pilocarpine stimulate the salivary glands, but come with a slew of unpleasant side effects, such as cold sweat, blurred vision, fatigue, hives, bladder and chest pain, and more. 
• Artificial saliva, which can come in many forms, such as mouthwash, gel, spray, gum, and lozenges, only treats the symptoms of dry mouth, but doesn’t address the root cause.

The Salipen offers a drug-free, side-effect-free alternative. It gently stimulates the salivary glands to encourage the body’s natural saliva production. For people with Sjögren’s syndrome, this approach can be particularly appealing, as their symptoms are often chronic and long-term.

Dry mouth treatment for people with Sjögren’s syndrome can make a big difference. Not only can it improve oral comfort and hygiene, but it can also contribute to a better quality of life.

The Importance of Sjögren’s Awareness

Raising awareness on World Sjögren’s Day isn’t just symbolic — it can lead to real change. 

 

Greater recognition of the disease means:

 

• Earlier diagnosis, which can delay or prevent complications
• Better research funding, leading to improved treatment options
• More informed healthcare providers, who are quicker to spot red flags
• More empowered patients, who recognize their symptoms and seek help
  
  

Living with Sjögren’s syndrome can take a toll on emotional and mental well-being. Because the condition is often invisible to others and not well understood, many patients experience frustration, isolation, or anxiety. The unpredictability of symptoms, which can vary from mild to debilitating and flare up unexpectedly, makes it difficult to plan daily life, work, or social activities. 

 

The physical and emotional burden underscores the need for not only medical support, but also for patient education, peer support groups, and compassionate care. 

 

If you or someone you know has experienced unexplained dry mouth, dry eyes, fatigue, or joint pain for more than a few months, it’s worth asking your doctor about Sjögren’s syndrome. A simple blood test or referral to a rheumatologist could set you on a path toward diagnosis — and relief.

 

FAQS

Is there a cure for Sjögren’s syndrome?

No, there is currently no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but symptoms can often be managed with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and symptom-specific approaches like dry eye and dry mouth treatments.

 

Lifestyle changes that can ease dry mouth symptoms include staying well-hydrated, avoiding caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, and using a humidifier at night.

 

Who is most at risk of getting Sjögren’s syndrome?

While anyone can develop Sjögren’s syndrome, certain populations are at greater risk. These include:

• Women over 40 are far more likely to develop the disease than men,
• Anyone over the age of 40
• People with other autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• People with a family history of autoimmune diseases

 

Being aware of these risk factors can encourage earlier evaluation and diagnosis, especially when symptoms begin to interfere with daily life.

Is dry mouth always a sign of Sjögren’s?
No, dry mouth can be caused by many things, including medications, radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, injury, thyroid disease, and other health conditions. If dry mouth is accompanied by dry eyes or joint pain, it’s worthwhile looking into Sjögren’s as the culprit.

Can dry mouth from Sjögren’s damage my teeth?
Yes, a lack of saliva increases the risk for cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Treating dry mouth early and consistently is essential for protecting long-term oral health.

How does the Salipen work?
The Salipen is an FDA-approved handheld device that delivers small electrical impulses to the oral cavity, stimulating the salivary glands to produce more saliva. It can be used at home for a few minutes a day, but is most effective when used long-term.