Effects of mouthrinses with linseed extract Salinum without/with chlorhexidine on oral conditions in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. A double-blind crossover investigation.

Objectives: To study the effect of mouthrinses with salivary replacement substances on oral conditions in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Design: Cross-over, double-blind study.

Setting: Facilities at the Centre for Oral Health Sciences, Malmö University and at Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.

Subjects: Twenty-two patients with Sjogren's syndrome.

Intervention: Linseed extract Salinum alone (Sal) or with addition of chlorhexidine (Sal/Chx) was used for mouthrinsing during 3-week periods of rinsings separated by a 3-week "wash-out" period.

Measurements: Recordings of percentages of sites with dental plaque and bleeding on probing, mirror friction test and microbiological analyses. Questionnaire on oral symptoms due to reduced salivation.

Results: Dental plaque and bleeding on probing were reduced after Sal and after Sal/Chx. Friction was reduced after both treatments. No significant differences for counts of studied microbial groups were seen after Sal but the total anaerobically cultured microorganisms and of mutans streptococci fell after Sal/Chx (p<0.05 and p<0.001). Symptoms of oral dryness improved following Sal and Sal/Chx (p<0.05 and p<0.001 respectively). Speaking problems and burning mouth symptoms improved after use of Sal (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Positive effects on symptoms in patients with Sjögren's syndrome were seen after use of Salinum without or with chlorhexidine.