Oasis of Relief: Xerostom for Sjögren's Syndrome

Dry Mouth Relief: Can Xerostom® Products Really Help Sjögren's Syndrome?

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Lena Voss in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Randomized Clinical Trial Explores the Effectiveness of Xerostom® for Xerostomia in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Patients."


Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting moisture-producing glands, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes. This condition significantly impacts the quality of life for many, particularly women in their 40s and 60s. The lack of saliva disrupts essential oral functions like speech, chewing, and swallowing, while also increasing the risk of dental problems such as cavities, periodontal disease and infections.

While there's no cure for Sjögren's Syndrome, various treatments aim to manage its symptoms. Common approaches include saliva substitutes, sugar-free gums, prescription sialogogues (saliva-stimulating drugs) like pilocarpine and cevimeline, and even systemic medications for more severe manifestations. However, these treatments often come with limitations and side effects, driving the need for more effective and tolerable options.

Xerostom® products, containing ingredients like olive oil, betaine, provitamin B5, allantoin, parsley oil, and xylitol, have shown promise in relieving dry mouth symptoms in individuals with polypharmacy-induced xerostomia and radiation-induced hyposalivation. A recent study investigated whether these products could also benefit patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome, offering a potential avenue for managing this challenging symptom.

Do Xerostom® Toothpaste and Mouthwash Alleviate Dry Mouth in Sjögren's Patients?

Oasis of Relief: Xerostom for Sjögren's Syndrome

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthwash in primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) patients experiencing xerostomia. The study involved 28 participants diagnosed with pSS according to the American-European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to either a test group using Xerostom® products or a control group using similar-looking placebos. Participants used the assigned products three times daily for 28 days. The study measured xerostomia using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and quality of life using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire.

While both groups experienced a decrease in VAS and OHIP-14 scores after the treatment period, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in the overall VAS scores. However, a significant improvement in OHIP-14 scores was identified in the test group, indicating an improved quality of life. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was observed in the improvement of dry tongue sensation, with the Xerostom® group reporting greater relief.

  • Study Design: Double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.
  • Participants: 28 patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS).
  • Intervention: Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthwash vs. control products.
  • Duration: 28 days.
  • Outcomes: Xerostomia (VAS) and quality of life (OHIP-14).
The study suggests that Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthwash may provide some benefit in alleviating dry mouth symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with primary Sjögren's Syndrome. The significant improvement in OHIP-14 scores in the test group, along with the relief of dry tongue sensation, indicates a potential positive effect of these products. However, the study also points out the importance of further research with a larger number of participants to confirm these findings.

The Future of Dry Mouth Treatments in Sjögren's Syndrome

The study provides valuable insights into the potential of Xerostom® products for managing dry mouth in Sjögren's Syndrome. While the results are promising, larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and identify the specific patient subgroups who may benefit most from these topical treatments. Further research could also explore the long-term effects of Xerostom® and compare its effectiveness against other common dry mouth therapies. In the meantime, Xerostom® represents a safe and potentially helpful option for individuals seeking relief from the discomfort and challenges of xerostomia associated with Sjögren's Syndrome.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What is Sjögren's Syndrome, and how does it specifically relate to dry mouth?

Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects moisture-producing glands, leading to symptoms like dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes. This systemic disease can significantly impair oral functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing, and it elevates the risk of dental issues like cavities, periodontal disease, and infections. The disease is diagnosed using the American-European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria.

2

What are Xerostom® products, and what ingredients do they contain that are designed to combat dry mouth?

Xerostom® products contain ingredients like olive oil, betaine, provitamin B5, allantoin, parsley oil, and xylitol. These ingredients are intended to alleviate dry mouth symptoms. A clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthwash in alleviating xerostomia related to primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

3

In the clinical trial using Xerostom® for Sjögren's patients, what specific improvements were observed in the group using Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthwash compared to the control group?

The study revealed that while both the Xerostom® group and the control group showed improvement in xerostomia (measured by the Visual Analog Scale or VAS) and quality of life (measured by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 or OHIP-14), the Xerostom® group reported a statistically significant improvement in OHIP-14 scores, indicating an improved quality of life. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was observed in the improvement of dry tongue sensation within the Xerostom® group.

4

What are the next steps in researching dry mouth treatments, particularly concerning products like Xerostom® and their application for Sjögren's Syndrome?

While the study suggests potential benefits of Xerostom® toothpaste and mouthwash for managing dry mouth symptoms in Sjögren's Syndrome, it also highlights the necessity for larger-scale studies to validate these findings. Future research could explore the long-term effects of Xerostom®, compare its efficacy against other dry mouth treatments, and identify specific patient subgroups who may benefit most. Additional research might explore different dosages and combinations with existing treatments like pilocarpine or cevimeline.

5

Besides products like Xerostom®, what are the typical treatments for dry mouth associated with Sjögren's Syndrome, and what are their limitations?

Common treatments include saliva substitutes, sugar-free gums, and prescription sialogogues like pilocarpine and cevimeline. Systemic medications are sometimes used for more severe manifestations. However, these treatments often have limitations and side effects, hence the need for more effective and tolerable options like Xerostom®.

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