What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune condition in the UK. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue - particularly the lining of the joints - causing pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by mechanical wear, RA is driven by immune dysfunction and can affect multiple joints simultaneously, as well as other body systems.

RA is significantly more common in women, who account for approximately 75% of cases. It is also considered a forerunner condition: around one third of women with RA go on to develop Sjögren’s Syndrome.

Why Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes Dry Mouth

Dry mouth in RA patients arises from multiple directions:

  • The disease itself - RA is a systemic autoimmune condition, and some patients experience secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome, in which the salivary glands are directly attacked
  • Immunosuppressant medications - required to manage RA, these drugs suppress the immune system and create vulnerability to oral infections including thrush, cold sores, ulcers and gum disease, as well as causing dry mouth directly
  • Opioid pain relief - all opioids cause dry mouth; for RA patients managing chronic pain, this is a persistent daily reality
  • Other medications - many drugs in the RA treatment toolkit, including methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, can contribute to oral dryness

Oral health maintenance is particularly important for people with RA, since suppressed immunity leaves the mouth significantly more vulnerable to infection and disease progression.
XyliMelts Dry Mouth - Mild Mint Flavour

How XyliMelts can help

  • 100% natural formulation - consistent with the healthy lifestyle approach that helps manage RA symptoms, free from artificial additives and preservatives
  • No known contra-indications - safe alongside all RA medications, including complex multi-drug regimens
  • Actively supports a healthy oral microbiome - xylitol inhibits decay-causing bacteria, which is critical given the elevated oral infection risk associated with immunosuppression
  • Maintains fresh breath - important for social confidence, which is already often affected by chronic pain and fatigue
  • Easy to apply - requiring minimal hand dexterity, which matters for people with joint pain and stiffness in the hands and fingers
  • Provides hours of continuous relief without the need to repeatedly drink water or reapply a product
  • Can be used overnight - working through the night to keep the mouth moist and healthy while sleeping

Using XyliMelts at Night

Chronic pain and fatigue are central to the RA experience, and poor sleep makes both worse. Dry mouth adds another layer of night-time disruption - waking patients to drink, causing oral soreness, and reducing sleep quality still further.

XyliMelts applied at bedtime require no manual dexterity during the night and no waking to reapply. They work quietly and continuously - maintaining oral moisture and protecting the mouth until morning.