Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a common symptom in patients with advanced cancer. It happens when there is a reduced quality and amount of saliva. Dry mouth can also cause difficulty in chewing, swallowing and talking. Severe dry mouth can interfere with your ability to maintain nutrition intake.

Dry mouth can be caused by:

• Surgery that removes the salivary gland (such as for salivary gland or oral cancer)
• Radiotherapy to the head and neck region causing reduced production of saliva
• Certain drugs such as antihistamines (allergy medicines), antidepressants, diuretics, or opioids
• Side effects of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, such as graft-versus-host-disease
• Dehydration
• Mouth infection
• Insufficient oral care may worsen the situation

Some saliva substitutes (artificial saliva) and mouth rinses may help to relieve the symptom.

• Moisten the mouth with water spray
• Stay hydrated and drink more water
• Eat foods that stimulate saliva secretion or moisturise the mouth, such as
  • Drinking lemon water or honey water or water with one to two pieces of fruit, such as limes, pears and apples.
  • Sucking on a small ice cube
  • Chewing sugar-free gum
  • Sucking on fruit pieces, such as pineapple pieces.
• Keep lips moist with a water-based lip balm
• Have proper oral care: Rinse the mouth with a solution of salt or baking soda and water before and after meals
• Use a room humidifier may help relieve dryness
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco
• Maintain good nutrition
  • Eat soft, moist foods that are cool or at room temperature.
  • Moisten dry foods with broth, sauces, or milk.
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine (like coffee, tea, and soda), and acidic juices.
  • Avoid dry, coarse, or hard foods.
  • Avoid sticky, sugary foods and drinks.
  • Limit salty, acidic or spicy foods. 

American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): Dry mouth