Minimizing dry mouth

The main treatment for dry mouth, a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment, is drinking plenty of fluids.

These suggestions also may help you deal with dry mouth:

  • have a sip of fluid or other drink every few minutes, try sipping fluids through a straw if it helps. Consider carrying a water bottle with you so you always have some handy. Aim for eight cups of fluid a day as a minimum;
  • Try very sweet or tart foods* and beverages, such as lemonade. These foods may help your mouth make more saliva. *Be careful if you also have a tender mouth or sore throat and the sweet or tart foods make it worse.
  • Suck on boiled sweets and ice lollies or chew gum. Let slices of raw jelly melt in your mouth. These foods can help you make more saliva.
  • Eat soft and pureed foods (foods with a high fluid content) which may be easier to swallow.
  • Eat frozen desserts (such as frozen grapes and ice lollies) or ice cubes.
  • Keep your lips moist with balms/salves, lubricating gel, oral gels.
  • Moisten food with sauces, gravies, and salad dressings to make it easier to swallow.
  • Rinse your mouth with a teaspoonful of vegetable oil, particularly at bed time.

Limit the following foods as they can make a dry mouth worse:

  • caffeinated coffee, teas and colas;
  • salty foods;
  • alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and mixed drinks;
  • dry foods including tough meats, raw vegetables, breads, pretzels, rice and crisps;
  • avoid mouth rinses containing alcohol which will dry the mouth further;
  • smoking and alcohol are best avoided.

If your dry mouth problem is severe, ask your doctor or dentist about suitable mouthwashes and products that coat, protect, and moisten your mouth and throat, including artificial saliva. Also discuss with your doctor whether drugs to help stimulate saliva production may be appropriate.

Some of the ideas for sore mouth and throat may also help. Refer to associated topic in left menu.

Source: National Cancer Institute