Question about dry mouth after RT and possible laser device treatment

Hi Jackie,as a fellow wife I feel for you. My hubby is now 14mths post treatment and doing well,considering. Taste buds are slowly coming back to normal,however spicy food is still out of the question,chocolate is only just starting to taste like chocolate. Overall he is still experimenting with flavours. Like you he couldn't have bread,or anything bread alike,but it's getting better now too. Sometimes he will have a caughing fit while eating if something gets stuck. Alcohol is a hit and miss too,also he is not a big drinker,is more a case of experimenting. His saliva is slowly coming back,but it's not perfect by far. I never heard anything of laser treatment,so I will bring this up later. Thank you for that. On this note,keep experimenting with food,you never know,they might surprise you one day. On this note, keep doing what you doing,persevere you will get there. Hug, Mel  x

Thanks Mel. I still struggle with chocolate too and as a huge chocoholic that's been tough. Having a very milky hot chocolate manages to quieten the chocolate cravings a bit though  Just need to sort my bread craving now lol

My saliva production has greatly improved, nearly 3 years since finishing CRT, but it has not returned to its original level, dry mouth varies from day to day, nighttime is when it's most noticeable, new normal.

• I have to think back here,he's only able to eat bread/toast for a few moths,and he loves his toast,if I remember,he started with soft rolls and muffins,muffins slightly toasted,his first chocolate bar was a kinder chocolate.believe it or not.  You said its been 4mths post treatment, so I think it's possible a little early to expect miracles. Some on here might agree.Be patient, once you get the taste back, it taste's even better. Hug Mel x

Hi Jackie. 4 months post treatment although you might not think it’s very early in treatment. I’m 7 years post treatment and would saying daytime my saliva is 90% what it was it continues ti improve for  many of us past the 2 year mark. Tip try a sip of a warm drunk gin your toast washed down by another sip of a warm drink. Cheap white bread was best for me in early days nit what I used to eat but needs must. Now I can eat every  type,if bread .usuall have h8me made soup and a roll every day for lunch. Chocolate must be dark 70% but that’s fine I can’t do cheap chocolate. All I’m left with I can’t eat spicy food and have no tolerance for alcohol but both are fine I can live with that.

the laser machine yes it’s a hand held machine made by Thor several uk hospitals are trialling it ask your consultant. There’s mixed reviews  like everything it works for some but not others. 

Hazel. Ps carry a spray bottle of water a s well to moisten your mouth ,but make sure you are  drinking daily 2-3 litres of water. 

That's really good to know. I can cope with it not being the same - I'd just like a bit more

Thank you. It's reassuring to think I can be ok with things like bread in time. Fingers are crossed

Will def ask about the laser device - always worth a go.

Thank you Hazel. i realise I am very early days but the dental person (when I was being fitted for the tray) said that what I have now in terms of saliva is probably as good as it will get. 

jacksmac194e30 said:

Would love to know if anyone knows of this or has tried it? 

Not personally but this is Photobiomodulation and has had some excellent results. 
Is this Emma Hallam’s clinic? The last I heard was that she was evaluating home units too. 

jacksmac194e30 said:

On a side note, those who are further along from their treatment - did your saliva production return slowly over many months or is what you have now what you had after only a couple of months post treatmenT/

Improvements continue for over two years. Most of mine were in the first year. Acupuncture helped( see my blog where there are two entries)

As for eating try a tiny sip of a warm drink to act as a proxy saliva when chewing a mouthful of food. 

jacksmac194e30 said:

. i realise I am very early days but the dental person (when I was being fitted for the tray) said that what I have now in terms of saliva is probably as good as it will get. 

Struth! How pessimistic 

Did you get radiation both sides?