Dry mouth

Keeping your mouth clean

As saliva helps to keep your mouth clean, it is important to brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after each meal, and to use mouthwashes regularly. However, mouthwashes containing detergents or alcohol should be avoided as they can dry and irritate the lining of the mouth. Your doctor or nurse will be able to advise you about the best mouthwash to use. Regular dental check-ups are essential too, as the risk of developing tooth decay is increased by a lack of saliva.

Encouraging saliva production

If your salivary glands are still able to produce some saliva, sucking sugar-free sweets or chewing sugar-free gum can encourage saliva production. Pineapple chunks, ice cubes, frozen tonic water, yoghurt and buttermilk can also be helpful, although some people find that very cold foods or drinks may be too uncomfortable to use.

Keeping your mouth moist

To keep your mouth moist you can drink sips of water or sugar-free fizzy drinks regularly throughout the day.

Cut down or avoid substances that can dry the mouth

These include alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes. Some prescribed medicines can also cause a dry mouth and it can be helpful to ask your doctor or nurse to identify these, as it may be possible to reduce the dosage or change the drug.

It may also be helpful to try acupuncture as this may sometimes increase the amount of saliva that is produced.

Boosting appetite

Many people can lose their appetite due to a dry mouth, or may find that foods taste different, which can cause eating difficulties. Here are some tips that can make food more palatable:

• Make sure you drink fluid with meals.
• Include plenty of sauces and gravy with meals.
• Include foods with a high fluid content, such as jelly, puréed fruits and soft puddings in your diet.
• Avoid dry and 'thick' foods such as biscuits, crackers and dry snacks.

It may also be helpful to read the information on eating problems