Dry Mouth Thick Saliva
Nutrition Guide: For People Living with Cancer

I have had a dry mouth and thick saliva since my cancer treatment began. How can I cope with this?

Radiation to the head and neck area can change the type and amount of saliva that your mouth produces. A dry mouth and thick saliva may become a problem. Try these suggestions:

• Rinse your mouth with baking soda and water mouthwash before meals and often during the day to help clean and refresh your mouth. See instructions below:

• Sip liquids frequently. Carry a water bottle filled with your favorite beverage
• Try sweet or tart drinks such as warm tea with lemon, lemonade, sweetened iced tea with lemon and soft drinks. They may help your mouth produce more saliva. Do not try this if you have a sore mouth or throat.
• If you find it difficult to use milk and milk products, try using lower fat milk products such as 1% and skim milk before cutting milk out of your diet completely. Drink water after drinking milk to rinse your mouth
• Use lots of fluids with meals to help keep foods moist and make them easier to swallow
• Use butter, margarine, sauces or gravy on dry foods
• Apply your lips with lip balm or chapstick (check with your nurse or radiation technologist about which ones are recommended)
• Try these Soft, Moist food ideas

Next: Taste Changes