Dry mouth (xerostomia)

If you find you’re affected by a dry mouth, these suggestions may help you:

• If your tongue is ‘coated’ it may make your food taste unpleasant and might put you off eating. You can clean your tongue with a bicarbonate of soda solution: use one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda (available from your chemist) dissolved in a pint (570mls) of warm water. Clean your tongue with a soft toothbrush, foamstick or gauze, dipped in the solution. Check with your clinical nurse specialist for further advice.
• Frequent drinks, even if you just take a few sips at a time, can help keep your mouth moist. You may find fizzy drinks the most refreshing. Keep a glass of water by your bedside and carry water with you whenever you go out. 
• Try sucking ice cubes or lollies. You can make lollies by freezing fresh fruit juice in ice-cube trays or in special lolly containers with sticks.
• Keep your food moist with sauces and gravies.
• Avoid chocolate and pastry as they can stick to the roof of your mouth.
• Chewing gum can sometimes stimulate your saliva. 
• Tell your doctor about your dry mouth. They can prescribe mouthwashes, lozenges, artificial saliva sprays or gels, if you think they will help.
• Use lip balm or Vaseline® for dry lips, but do not use any balm on your lips during radiotherapy treatment - speak to your clinical nurse specialist or radiotherapy team about this.

You may find it helpful to read our page on dry mouth (xerostomia)|. We also have a video slideshow with helpful tips|.