Dry mouth

Hi Maxine

Thanks for getting in touch. Welcome to the online community

My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I can see you have joined several groups on the forum. I hope you’re finding them helpful to share your experiences with others.

Sorry to hear you’re experiencing dry mouth or Xerostomia. It is often due to the side-effects of cancer treatment, medication or infections. If you’re not drinking enough fluids dehydration can also play a part  

Drugs such a chemotherapy can damage salivary glands causing the glands to produce less saliva. Saliva helps to keep the mouth clean, prevent infections and protects the teeth.

Dry mouth normally clears up a few weeks after treatment has ended. However, relieving oral side-effects of treatment is an important part of your cancer care and treatment.

There are a number ways your dry mouth can be managed. We would suggest asking someone from your team to assess your mouth, to check if there are any visible signs of an infection. Your team are also in an ideal position to prescribe artificial saliva, or mouth rinses to help. There are a range of products available to use.

Good mouth care is essential especially if you’re having cancer treatment. We would also suggest visiting your dentist, as they may be able to advise you how to stimulate saliva secretions, lubricate your mouth and to check your teeth.

You may find these tips helpful to try at home.

I hope you find this information helpful.

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref: PN

Best wishes