Moisten your mouth
Dry mouth? Always keep water near.
Are you familiar with dry mouth, burning sensations, difficulty chewing and swallowing (dysphagia), taste alterations (dysgeusia) and bad breath? Many cancer patients suffer from dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. It’s the result of a decrease in or absence of the production of saliva by the salivary glands.
Xerostomia can be triggered by different causes but chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer are among the most frequent.
What can you do if you have xerostomia?
Of course, your doctor is your first point of contact. No matter what side effect appears, they will give you the best advice. We have also put together some helpful tips.
What you should AVOID:
- Dry and fibrous food such as nuts, biscuits, muesli, grilled meat, etc.
- Oily and thick food that may further increase the pasty feeling in your mouth
- Spicy, astringent and very hot food
- Oversized bites
- Tobacco and alcohol
TRY creamy textures:
- Increase the consumption of liquid or soft food. Prepare sweet and savory custards, ice cream, soups, stews, juices, creams, puddings, etc.
- Moisten any food that is dry, astringent, firm, etc. It is recommended to mix this type of food with sauces, stock, butter, cream, etc.
General tips for xerostomia
- Keep water near. Take small sips of water during meals, which will help you swallow easier. Take sips of water frequently and/or suck on pieces of ice, popsicles or natural juices, etc.
- Always carry a small (spray) bottle of water to moisten your mouth on the go and to moisten your lips before eating.
- Good oral hygiene after meals is very important. So, rinse out your mouth after eating.
- Avoid dry atmospheres such as rooms with excess air conditioning or heating. A humidifier might help provide a better indoor climate.
Increase salivation
- Dress and season food with different varieties of vinegars as well as with citrus like lemon or orange. Only follow this recommendation if you aren’t also suffering from sore mouth.
- Rinse out your mouth 15 minutes before meals with a spoonful of fresh lemon juice diluted in a glass of water if you do not have a sore mouth (mucositis). If you have mucositis, you can rinse with thyme infusions, as this stimulates salivation without irritating the sores.
- Suck on mint or citrus sweets, or chew gum throughout the day, especially before meals.
- In mild cases, chewing hard food such as apples, carrots, etc. can encourage the production of saliva. Eat them before meals!
- There are off-the-shelf products that help with salivation, such as saliva substitutes, mouthwashes or special gels. Consult with your medical team.