Dry mouth is particularly important for cancer patients to address, since the discomfort that comes along with it can cause a change in eating habits at a time when good nutrition is especially critical to maintaining strength and fending off other effects of treatment.
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In this article, you’ll learn why you get dry mouth from cancer treatments, how xerostomia affects your appetite, how to manage this side effect, and how to eat well so you get the nutrition you need.
What Is Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth is generally a side effect or symptom, not a condition. It happens when you don’t have enough saliva to keep the tissues of your mouth moist.
This can be annoying, causing thick, stringy saliva and increased thirst. But it can also cause problems like:
Altered sense of tasteDifficulty chewing and swallowingCavities and tooth decayCracked or damaged lips, tongue, and mouth tissuesBad breathSore throatTrouble speakingProblems with denturesGum disease
Sometimes, xerostomia can become very serious, leading to infections and other problems. Call your healthcare provider if:
Your lips are dry, cracked, or bleedingYou have mouth sores that prevent you from eating or won’t healYou’re having difficulty breathingYou notice white patches in your mouth, which can signal an infection
Dry Mouth and Cancer Treatments
Both radiation and chemotherapy treat cancer by targeting fast-growing cells. The problem is that they don’t discriminate between those that are cancer cells and those that are not.
Healthy cells in the lining of your mouth are some that are affected. Cancer treatments slow them down, leading to damage, and ultimately dry mouth.
These treatments can also alter the balance of healthy bacteria in your mouth.
Radiation
You may get dry mouth if you have radiation treatment on your head, face, or neck. In addition to the effects mentioned above, radiation can directly damage your salivary glands, which produce saliva.
It may take several months or more after treatment ends for your saliva production to improve. There is a chance that it may never go back to normal, though.
Xerostomia from radiation tends to be longer lasting if your salivary glands themselves are the targets. In some cases, it may get worse over time.
If you have dry mouth during radiation, let your healthcare provider know. You may be able to use a medication called Duvoid (bethanechol) to stimulate saliva production. Acupuncture may also help.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can make your saliva thick and cause your mouth feel dry. This is the result of cellular damage caused by treatment.
However, unlike with radiation, it’s usually a short-term problem. Most people have normal saliva again within two months of treatment ending.
Surgery
If you have cancer in your salivary glands, they may need to be surgically removed. In this case, you’ll permanently have dry mouth.
How Dry Mouth Affects Appetite
When you have dry mouth, eating can become something you avoid simply because its unpleasant.
Dry-mouth symptoms that can impact your eating habits include:
Changing sense of tasteA persistent bad taste in your mouthMouth soresDifficulty chewing and swallowingSore throat
Also note that chemotherapy, radiation, and cancer can all cause loss of appetite on their own as well.
Managing Dry Mouth
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to help with your dry mouth. If you’re on medications that could be contributing, they may want to switch you to one that doesn’t have this side effect.
Ask your nurse for a mouth care plan that outlines when and how often to brush your teeth, whether you should use special mouth rinses, and other ways to keep your mouth healthy and prevent dryness.
Your medical team may also be able to suggest products that help you keep saliva flowing. These include:
Chewing gumSaliva substitutesMouth moisturizers
Mouthwashes you find in the dental aisle of the drugstore often contain alcohol. That can make your mouth drier, so it’s best to avoid them or look for an option that’s formulated for dry mouth.
Tips to Help You Eat Well
You have lots of options for making it easier to eat. Give these a try:
If you can eat solid food, take small bites. Chew slowly and completely. Focus on soft, moist foods (e. g. , canned fruit, yogurt, custard, or pudding). Use broth, sauces, or gravy to soften foods such as casseroles, potatoes, and meat. Cool your food. Eat soft-cooked chicken and fish that’s room temperature. Let hot cereals cool down. Make your soups and stews lukewarm. Add slippery ingredients to make food easier to swallow. Olive, canola, avocado, or almond oil can work, as can yogurt, jelly, or jam. Suck on frozen fruit, such as grapes, peach slices, or cantaloupe or watermelon wedges. If it’s hard to eat solid food, find nutritious meal-replacement shakes or other nutrient-packed beverages like smoothies or juices.
Be sure to drink a lot of fluids with and between meals as well.Some food and drink can increase dry mouth symptoms. Avoid:
AlcoholCaffeineSpicy or salty foods
You should also avoid tobacco.
Summary
Dry mouth can be due to a variety of conditions and certain medications. Cancer treatments are one cause worth extra special attention.
Radiation dries the mouth by damaging the salivary glands. This symptom can be long-lasting. Chemotherapy dries the mouth by thickening the saliva. This usually goes away within a few weeks of stopping treatment.
Xerostomia can cause issues like tooth decay and gum disease, but it can also affect eating (and thus, nutrition) by altering one’s sense of taste, making it difficult to eat, and causing mouth sores.
Your medical team can help you find solutions, including medication and special mouth-moisturizing products. Eat soft foods and avoid things that are very hot or drying, such as caffeine.
