I would firstly like to say how much I appreciate receiving the newsletter every 3 months, the articles are very interesting. and most informative. In the November 2007 newsletter, there was an article on Sjogren’s Syndrome, and as I have Sjogren's, along with Limited Scleroderma, I found it very interesting. I have had it for many years, and suffer from very dry eyes, and extremely dry mouth, so much so that I make no saliva at all, and cannot .swallow anything without liquid.

As a consequence, I was continually going to the dentist, with cavities, (new and old ones becoming worse ), I have had to have root canal therapy several times, even though I brushed my teeth frequently, and used fluoride and the appropriate toothpastes.

About 3 years ago my dentist told me about a new type of Tooth Mousse only available through dentists. This product has made an incredible difference to my teeth - I have not had a filling for the past two years, and when I go to the dentist for my 6 monthly check up he is always pleasantly surprised how much better my mouth is. . It is still very dry, but my teeth are so much better than they were. Evidently, tooth mousse can help repair as well as prevent cavities. The instructions say to put a little in your mouth, and spread it with your tongue, but because I make no saliva at all this did not work for me, and so I did not use it very often at first. I then started using a baby toothbrush, putting a little mousse on it, and wetting it with a little water, then scrubbing all my teeth with this. Do not rinse your mouth, just leave it. I do this last thing at night, and find that I do not wake up with such a dry -mouth in the morning as a bonus.

Scleroderma NSW invites you to examine our pamphlet on Dental & Oral Hygiene

I would just like to recommend that any one suffering from dry mouth, and consequent bad teeth, talk to your dentist about this type of product, and give it a try. It has made a wonderful difference to my mouth now that I use it every night.

Yours sincerely,

Lesley H*.