Radiation therapy to the head and neck areas, some types of chemo, and certain other medicines can cause dry mouth or thick saliva. The glands that make saliva can become irritated and make less saliva, or your saliva can become very thick and sticky. Dryness can be mild or severe.
A dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities and mouth infection. If you smoke or chew tobacco or drink alcohol, the dryness can be worse. If you have either of these side effects, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and eat moist foods as much as possible. Also brush your teeth and rinse your mouth often with the baking soda, salt, and water solution to help keep it clean and prevent infection (recipe below).
What to do
What to eat or not eat when you have a dry mouth*
Eat |
Foods that may cause problems | |
High protein |
Meats, poultry, and fish in sauces and gravies Casseroles, soups, and stews |
Dry meats, poultry, and fish without sauces |
Breads, cereals, rice, and pasta |
Bread, rolls Cooked and cold cereals, cereal with milk Rice soaked in gravy, sauce, broth, or milk |
Dry breads, rolls Pasta, rice Pretzels, chips Cereal |
Fruits and vegetables |
Canned and fresh fruits that have a lot of moisture, like oranges and peaches Vegetables in sauce |
Bananas, dried fruit Vegetables, unless in a sauce or with a high moisture content |
Drinks, desserts, and other foods |
Club soda, hot tea with lemon, fruit-ades, diluted juices, sports drinks Commercial liquid nutrition supplements Homemade milk shakes; ice cream, sherbet, pudding Butter, margarine Salad dressing Sour cream, half-and-half |
Cookies, cake, pie, unless soaked in milk |
*Adapted from Eldridge B, and Hamilton KK, Editors, Management of Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Cancer and Educational Handouts. Chicago, IL: American Dietetic Association; 2004.
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