Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder, results in dryness of the eyes, mouth, vagina, and other mucous membrane tissue. The disease may occur by itself or in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or some lesser known rheumatic autoimmune diseases. The first symptoms may start with change in taste and smell and a severe dryness of the mouth and eyes. Dryness of the mouth, which can lead to dental problems, also can cause a dry cough. Now a new chewing gum called MighTeaFlowTM is available for dry mouth.

     This newly available gum combines natural salivary stimulants with the antioxidant and salivary gland cell protective qualities of green tea. The gum includes xylitol, which helps prevent dental decay and stimulates salivary flow, and jaborandi leaf extract, an herb that has been used in South American countries for centuries to increase secretory function. (Editor's note: Make sure that Fido doesn't find the gum. Xylitol is poisonous to dogs.)

     Dr. Stephen Hsu, an associate professor in the Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU) College of Dental Medicine, developed the concept and technology that is used for the gum. This information is providing the basis for new products that will be introduced. In development are a dry mouth lozenge, mouthwash, and toothpaste; and soon to hit the market is a non-toxic anti-dandruff shampoo, ReviTeaLizeTM, which contains green tea and aloe vera.

     A clinical trial, partially supported by an Innovation in Oral Care Award from the International Association for Dental Research, is currently underway at the GHSU College of Dental Medicine's Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences. Doctors Hsu and Douglas Dickinson are co-investigators of the clinical trial.

--Source: Our thanks to the Sjögren's Quarterly, a publication of the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation, Inc., "New Product for Dry Mouth," Spring 2012; and "Sjögren's Syndrome," informational brochure of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association