Question about dry mouth and toothpaste.

Hi Everyone,

   I know alot of you have dry mouth issues from Sjogren's/Lupus. I have tried several different types of toothpaste over time. Most I try either cause my gums to be sensitive or leaves a film in my mouth that will peel. For the last couple of months I have been switching from "Crest Vivid White" to "Advanced White by Arm and Hammer". The Crest leaves the film and the Arm and Hammer makes my gums sensitive. Could it just be the whitening type of toothpaste? Any suggestions on another whitening toothpaste that doesn't cause these problems? I have tried Aquafresh and Colgate as well with the same problem. Tks,

                                                             Babs

I might have to try the Sensodyne. The only toothpaste I've heard of for dry mouth is Biotene, but I haven't tried it and I don't think it comes in a whitening formula. I know I need to get to the dentist one of these days because my dry mouth is so bad, but it's hard to get there when I have so many other appointments to get to.

Des, thanks for offering to be our guinea pig with the toothpaste, lol. I would be interested to see how you like it.

I read somewhere (and of course, I can't remember) that those of us with Sjogren's shouldn't use whitening toothpaste. I don't remember why either. :) I have been using the Biotene toothpaste and mouthwash. It definitely helps, but I still wake up during the night and need to use the Mouth Kote spray.

Hi Babs,
I don't have much advice on toothpaste, but I would like to share my experiences on the subject. Having SLE for a few years, I have all sorts of mouth/teeth related problems. My Rhuemy suggests it is the lack of moisture getting to the mouth/eyes due to the effects of the Lupus. For me, it was like a right of passage brushing my teeth or using mouthwash. I remember asking my dentist one time if he could recommend a brand of toothpaste that wouldn't hurt as bad as Crest. I can recall him looking at me as if I was some little girlie-man. Ah the fun of being a guy with Lupus. Anyway... when my mouth is sore and toothpaste is too painful, I'll switch over to using baking soda. But I would also like to suggest a medicine that was prescribed to me a few months ago and seems to be working pretty well and that is: EVOXAC. It is supposed to generate/stimulate the saliva/tear glands to excrete more fluids. It appears to be working for me (I wake up with drool on my pillow) and my eyes don't feel as dry all the time. Using regular toothpaste since taking this medicine has been less of an issue, I suspect my mouth is getting enough saliva to wash away/kill the bacteria in our mouths. Hopefully over time I will notice a decrease in the amount of cavities and gum disease as well. The only down side I experienced with this drug was a feeling of dizziness I would get after taking it. Over about three weeks, that side-effect went away.

Sensodyne is good for sensitive teeth, but I do not know about dried mouth. I do not believe anything that with whitening ingredients. I tried to avoid them because I do not know what kind of damage will do for my teeth. I read long time ago from a medical article about those whitening stuff (especially for whitening teeth) do damge to the teeth, but forgot where I read it. I do not know if it can apply to toothpaste though.

May have to do without the whitening part Babs :(  I don't care for Biotene toothpaste so I may try Tom's of Maine for dry mouth (I'm sure I will have to order it as I haven't seen it at any of the stores here)

Babs, Its a brand that you can find at almost everywhere, they sell different kind of toiletry products. My grandmother uses their regular toothpaste because the popular brands make her gag and this one doesn't.

They have a dry mouth toothpaste that is apricot flavor YUM! but I can't find the dry mouth toothpaste anywhere. I can find the regular one though. I think they have a website if you do a google search and you can look for the product. I kind of like the idea of apricot flavored toothpaste :)

The "film" you are feeling might be the baking soda used in many whitening toothpastes. Does it feel sort of gritty? I hate that feeling!

I have sensitive teeth, I have my whole life. I *love* Rembrandt Intense Stain Whitening Toothpaste. It is expensive, I think 8.99 for a 6 ounce tube but the results are great. It doesnt leave a film and it doesnt hurt my sensitive teeth at all. My other suggestion would be to invest in a Sonic Care electric toothbrush - they run about 100.00 but I couldnt live without mine! It makes a huge difference in cleaning and helps with sensitivity issues.

I use Biotene, but Des, I'm going to look for Tom's of Maine as well. Maybe with something tasty I'd look forward to brushing my teeth instead of dreading it.

Moop, you say you're a man who feels bad? How dare you! Women are tagged as neurotic, and men are labled as girlie-men. We're all just too sensitive, aren't we. I guess a good sense of humor is our best defense.