Tips for dealing with dry mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia), is most commonly caused by radiation therapy directed at the head and neck region of the body. Radiation may irreversibly affect the production and quality of saliva in the salivary glands. A number of medications can also induce xerostomia. Dry mouth may affect the patients speech, taste sensation and ability to swallow.

Many patients complain of a sore or burning sensation, cracked lips, and fissures in the corners of the mouth. There is also an increased risk of cavities and mouth disease due to less saliva to cleanse the teeth and gums.
There are now some means of preventing xerostomia that were not available a few years ago. Amifostine, a radiation protector of normal tissues, has been shown to protect the salivary glands when given daily with radiation therapy. Also, a treatment known as Proton therapy may allow the radiation oncologist to spare the salivary glands from getting significant radiation doses. This may prevent dry mouth in the future. If you are getting radiation therapy to the head and neck region, you should discuss these options with your radiation oncologist. If you have developed xerostomia, there are management strategies that can effectively deal with your dry mouth and prevent cavities and periodontal disease.

Try to follow these simple guidelines:

• Perform oral hygiene at least four times a day. (After each meal and before bedtime)


• The oral cavity should be rinsed and wiped immediately after meals


• Dentures need to be brushed and rinsed after meals


• Only use toothpaste with fluoride when brushing


• Keep water handy to keep the mouth moist at all times


• Apply prescription strength fluoride gel at bedtime


• Rinse with salt and baking soda solution 4-6 times a day


• Avoid liquids and foods with high sugar content


• Avoid rinses containing alcohol


• Use moisturizer regularly on lips


• Oral pilocarpine (Salagen) is the only drug approved by the FDA to stimulate saliva secretion from the remaining salivary glands.