Does anyone have any new advice on dry mouth and very chapped lips. I have Sjogren's syndrome and I can deal with the dry mouth. However the last few months the corners of my mouth gather this white stuff, and it is very embarrassing when talking to people. I don't have any cracks or sores or blisters, just the white stuff and it is ugly. Balms don't work and when I put lipstick on it is even worse. It gets worse when I talk continuously (i.e. in a business meeting or presentation). What can I do?
My mom is undergoing chemotherapy, which can cause dry mouth. I was reading some literature in the chemo room. It said dry mouth can lead to fungus infections(because saliva has powerful compounds that fight all kinds of infections). It said the main symptom of a fungus infection(I think it was called thrush) is a white substance forming at the corners of the mouth. It said you need to see a dentist to treat this. I hope this helps, you sound so miserable. Good luck and God Bless.
Forgot to mention, the chemo room was giving out little sample kits from a company called biotene: toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.... These products are supposed to restore the missing enzymes and so on caused by dry mouth.
thanks so much for the feedback. I am already using Biotene but it does not seem to help so far. Next visit is to the dentist! Thanks so much for your input :-)
Hello, I'm a dental hygienist who has worked with three advanced Sjogren's cases. You have a yeast infection in the skin at the corners of your mouth. No kidding! It's actually totally common in anyone with more moisture at that site. Using lip balms will seal in the yeast, so don't apply anything there but a good antifungal cream. You can get it OTC here in WA, any product for fungal things, including vaginal or foot care or jock itch products. Keep applying the medicine twice daily for ten full days.
My dealings w/Sjögren's Syndrome are getting to be multi now, & more difficult to control. I've had this dis-ease for abt 19 yrs to date. It's working so intensely on my tear ducts that almost annually I have filaments growing on my cornea which cause TOTAL Blindness. I REFUSE to take any DRUGS for this because they're in themselves destroyers of human life. Jolly Rancher Cinnamon Fire seems to work well to keep salivary moisture in my mouth, but lips & back of throat are drying out BIG TIME as well.
I'd like to add to kimhis's wonderful post the following helpful hints:
You can help the yeast infection internally by gargling with a little apple cider vinegar in water - not terribly strong. Also be sure to eat yogurt a few times a week; the beneficial Acidophilus bacteria in the yogurt help to compete with fungi for nutrients and help keep the beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract thriving so they out-complete with the pathogens (bad bacteria, fungi) for nutrients and prevent over-blooms.
