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Sjögren's, dry mouth and swallowing
Less saliva means dry food has less to slide on. Small changes can make meals easier.
Awaiting clinical review. This page is written from general, widely accepted background on how eating and swallowing work. It has not yet been signed off by a named clinician, and it is not a substitute for asking one.
What Sjögren's is
Sjögren's is a condition where the immune system affects the glands that make tears and saliva. A dry mouth and dry eyes are common.
It can affect other parts of the body too. Other conditions and many medicines also dry the mouth.
Why saliva matters
Saliva wets food and helps it hold together. It helps food slide down.
With less saliva, dry food stays crumbly. Pills can stick too.
What you might notice
- Crackers, bread or dry meat that are hard to get down.
- Needing a drink with every bite.
- Pills that stick.
- A sore or burning mouth, or more tooth decay.
- Trouble talking for long, because your mouth dries.
- Waking at night with a very dry mouth or throat.
What can help
- Sip water often, and during meals.
- Add sauces, gravy or broth to dry foods.
- Sugar-free gum or candy can help the mouth make saliva.
- Saliva substitutes are sold as rinses, sprays and gels. Ask a pharmacist or dentist.
- See your dentist often. Saliva helps protect teeth.
- If a doctor asked you to limit fluids, ask how to handle a dry mouth within that limit.
Options people weigh
There is more than one way to treat a dry mouth. Each has trade-offs.
- Saliva substitutes: easy to try, but they wear off and need using often.
- Prescription medicines that help the glands make more saliva. They can have side effects, such as sweating.
- Pills with a dry mouth: take them with plenty of water, sitting up. Ask if a liquid or smaller form exists.
Questions to ask your care team
- What can help my dry mouth?
- Are any of my medicines making it drier?
- Should I see a dentist more often?
- Would an SLP visit help with eating and pills?
- What are the pros and cons of each dry mouth treatment?
When to get help
Get checked soon if you notice any of these. A doctor or SLP can look at what is going on.
You know your own body best. Bring what you notice to your care team, and decide together.
- Coughing or choking when you eat or drink.
- Food or pills that feel stuck.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Pneumonia or chest infections, especially if they come back.
When this is worth asking about
- You cannot breathe, speak or cough. Call 911.
- Dry mouth makes it hard to eat enough.
- Mouth sores, burning, or infections that keep coming back.
- Food or pills often stick.
