sticky salvia

Hi BPK,

Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our online community.  My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses at Macmillan. 

I’m sorry to hear that you are having such sticky saliva.  Dry mouth (Xerostomia) can cause the saliva to become thick and stringy as there isn’t enough moisture in it.

Your mouth can become dry for many reasons including certain medications such as pain killers, anti-sickness medication, diuretics (water pills) and anti-depressants, among others.

If you have acid reflux, an infection, or even allergies, this can also cause the overproduction of mucus in your throat which mixes with the saliva, giving it that sticky feeling. 

It’s important that you speak to your GP or healthcare team as there are saliva substitutes, medications and mouth rinses that can be prescribed to help.  I would also suggest visiting your dentist as thick saliva can put you at higher risk of tooth decay and oral infection.

The following tips may be helpful for you to try at home:

• Taking sips of water can help keep your mouth moist. Keep a glass of water by your bed and carry water with you when you go out.
• Try sucking ice cubes or lollies. You can make lollies by freezing fresh fruit juice in ice cube trays or in lolly containers with sticks.
• Add moisture to make food easier to swallow, especially with dry and starchy foods like bread, biscuits, crackers, and potatoes. For example, you could moisten foods with gravies, sauces, extra oil, salad dressings, yoghurt, mayonnaise, or butter.
• Chewing sugar-free gum can sometimes help you to produce more saliva.
• Use a lip balm to protect your lips. But it is important not to use any on your lips during radiotherapy treatment. Speak to your clinical nurse specialist or radiotherapy team about this.
• Try using an atomiser spray with cool water to keep your mouth moist. Keep this in your pocket when you go out.
• Try to avoid alcohol (especially spirits), as these can irritate your mouth. This also includes mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
• Do not smoke as this can irritate your mouth and make it feel dry.
• Some drinks may irritate a dry mouth. Try to avoid caffeinated drinks or citrus drinks.

I really do hope this information was helpful.

Take care and best wishes,

Adrienne

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.

Our Ref:  AM/CF