Aliva: Innovative solution for mouth dryness

Norwegian medical tech firm Aliva has created a world-first solution of its kind for tackling the pervasive problem of mouth dryness. Launching in the first quarter of 2025, the patented Aliva system shows promise to alleviate the suffering of those afflicted.

Mouth dryness is a widespread problem affecting a growing number of people. In fact, more than 20 per cent of the general population suffers from mouth dryness, rising to 35 per cent in those over 65.

“Mouth dryness is much more serious than most people realise – it’s a significant and complex challenge affecting everyday activities most of us take for granted,” says Aliva’s managing director Birgitte Graverholt. “People suffering from oral dryness can have significant trouble eating, sleeping, and speaking. In the long run, oral dryness may lead to serious dental health concerns and psychosocial issues, like isolation and depression.”

The idea behind Aliva came from Kristiansand-based dentist Anders Stokkelien. Over the course of his 45-year career, Stokkelien witnessed the pervasive problem of oral dryness and its detrimental effects on dental health and wondered why there had been so little innovation in alleviating this common issue.

Right: Anders Stokkelien, dentist.

Designed to mimic a healthy mouth, the Aliva system has undergone years of R&D, with testing and user input. The system provides a continuous supply of fluid, like the salivary glands in a healthy mouth, with an even distribution to the entire oral cavity. The mouthpiece is designed to fit the anatomy and physiology of the mouth, making it comfortable to use.

The unobtrusive system can be used while working, cooking, eating, watching TV, and other daily activities. It can also be used while sleeping, which has a huge potential to make a difference for the many sufferers of mouth dryness who struggle to get a good night’s sleep.

Aliva is aimed at people struggling with mouth dryness across ages and causes. The most common reason for dry mouth is as a side effect of more than 500 commonly used medications. 95 per cent of those suffering from Sjögren’s syndrome develop mouth dryness, while up to 85 per cent of those surviving head and neck cancer struggle with mouth dryness following their recovery

“Our driving force is making a difference for the many thousands of people struggling with mouth dryness. A lot of people are suffering in silence, and we are determined to help,” Graverholt says.

Birgitte Graverholt.

Web: aliva.no