Dry mouth and changes in saliva after head and neck cancer treatment

Radiotherapy or chemoradiation to the head or neck can affect your salivary glands. This means you may not make as much spit (saliva) as before and so your mouth may become dry. Your salivary glands may gradually recover after treatment, but your saliva may be thicker and sticky. Some people have a dry mouth permanently. 

If you feel you have too much saliva rather than too little, you may find it difficult to swallow or chew.

Having a dry mouth can be uncomfortable and can affect eating, speaking and sleeping. It also makes you much more likely to get tooth decay. Smoking will dry and irritate your mouth.  It also increases your risk of dental problems. 

If you smoke, it is important to try to stop. Your GP or hospital team can tell you about the support that’s available to help you. Avoid alcohol, especially spirits, which are very irritating to the mouth.

There are different things you can do to help relieve a dry mouth. Always carry a bottle of water with you and take frequent sips. Or, use a water spray instead. You can buy small atomiser spray bottles from most chemists.

If you cannot swallow, your nurse or doctor can give you a nebuliser. 

A warm salt water rinse can be soothing if you have a dry mouth. To make the rinse, boil 900ml of water. Let it cool to a warm temperature and then add 1 teaspoon of table salt. Rinse the salt water gently around your mouth. Then spit it out and rinse your mouth with cold or warm water. Try to do this at least 4 times a day. Make a fresh rinse each day.

There are other things you can do to help with a dry mouth.

• Try sucking ice cubes or sugar-free ice lollies.
• Avoid drinks that can irritate a dry mouth, such as caffeinated or citrus drinks.
• Ask your doctor or nurse if any medicines you are taking cause a dry mouth. It may be possible to change the drug or reduce the dose.
• Use a lip salve to protect your lips.
• Try using a humidifier in your bedroom at night.
• Ask your dentist for advice on toothpastes as some contain foaming agents, usually an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). This can make your mouth dry. But some SLS toothpaste are fluoride-free so are less effective against tooth decay and gum disease.

• Avoid foods that irritate a dry mouth, such as hard and crunchy foods, spicy, salty foods and citrus fruits.
• Take sips of water before you take a bite of food. This lubricates the mouth before you start chewing.
• Eat soft, moist foods with sauces and gravies, such as casseroles and soups.
• Add moisture and fat to make dry, starchy foods such as bread, biscuits and crackers easier to eat. Use extra oil, salad dressings, yoghurt and mayonnaise or butter to moisten foods.
• Try rubbing a small amount of olive or sunflower oil onto your gums before a meal. This can make it easier to chew and move foods around the mouth.

You can use artificial saliva to moisten your mouth and throat. It comes in different forms, such as gels, sprays, mouthwashes, pastilles or tablets. Try different types to find out the best for you. Your doctor or dentist can prescribe artificial saliva, or you can buy it from a chemist.

The effect may only last for a short time, so it is best to use it just before eating. For longer-lasting relief at night, try using the gel on your tongue and around the inside of your mouth. This may relieve dryness for up to 5 hours.

If you have dentures, you can use the gel under them to help them feel more comfortable and stay in place. Take your dentures out at night to give your mouth a break from them.

Artificial saliva with added fluoride can also help to protect your teeth. But some saliva products are acidic and can cause tooth decay. If you have your own teeth, make sure you use one that is pH-neutral.

This table has more information about artificial saliva products for a dry mouth.

Treatments that stimulate saliva may help if some of your salivary glands still work or the damage to your glands is temporary. You can buy these products online.

• Sugar-free gum may help stimulate saliva. Some gums (such as Spry^® gum) contain xylitol, a low-calorie sweetener, which can also help reduce tooth decay.
• XyliMelts^® (discs you stick to your gums, teeth or dentures) slowly releases xylitol. which helps stimulate saliva to relieve dryness.

Some sugar-free boiled sweets also stimulate saliva. Choose ones that are sugar-free to help protect your teeth.