Dealing with Symptoms - Dry Mouth and Changes in Taste

Fatigue | Eating Problems | Nausea | Hair Loss | Sore Mouth and Throat | Dry Mouth | Sleep Disturbances | Bowel Problems | Anxiety | Depression | Breathing Difficulties

While having dry mouth during your cancer treatment doesn’t seem like a big deal in comparison with the other symptoms of cancer, it can certainly be a problem.  Dry mouth is usually caused for one of two reasons.  Those who have difficulty breathing through their nose and often suffer breathlessness tend to breathe through their open mouth, therefore drying it out.  Secondly, any radiation therapy that happens to hit the salivary glands may cause the individual to produce less saliva, resulting in dry mouth.

Moisture in the mouth is important for a number of reasons.  Mainly, it assists you in swallowing food and it also affects the taste of the food you eat.  Lack of saliva means that it will be more difficult to swallow your meals, especially dry foods, and that you may lose your sense of taste or foods may begin to taste different to you.

Saliva also helps to keep your mouth clean, so when it’s lacking, it’s important that your oral hygiene regimen be exemplary.  Brush after all meals and before bedtime.  Use a germ fighting mouthwash, if possible. 

Ways to Deal with Dry Mouth

• Tell your doctor about your problem.  He/She may be able to prescribe a saliva-producing agent or provide you with artificial saliva.
• Suck on sugar-free candies or drink fizzy drinks to encourage saliva production.
• Drink fluids with your meals to aid in swallowing.
• Eat foods with a high fluid content, like pudding.
• Avoid excessively dry foods, like crackers, pretzels, and some cookies