XEROSTOMIA

What is xerostomia?

Xerostomia (ZEE-roe-STOE-mee-uh) is a dry mouth, usually from not making enough saliva. Bacteria grow more quickly in a drier mouth causing dental cavities.

Why would I get xerostomia?

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can decrease the amount of saliva made. This makes your mouth and throat feel drier. Sometimes the salivary glands make enough saliva but the saliva does not work well and your mouth feels dry. Radiation to the head or neck is more likely to cause xerostomia than radiation to other areas.

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if you are worried or have questions about mouth dryness.

What can I do to relieve symptoms of xerostomia?

Diet

  • Drink plenty of liquids, at least 3 quarts a day. Do not drink alcoholic beverages since alcohol makes your mouth drier.
  • Take sips of liquid between bites of food when eating.
  • Suck on popsicles, ice chips or cubes, or sugarless hard candy. Chew sugarless gum.
  • Eat soft foods like ice cream, milkshakes, baby food, cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, bananas, applesauce, soft-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, custard, pudding, or gelatin. Puree cooked foods in a blender to make them easier to eat.
  • Dip crisp, dry foods in your drink to soften them. Moisten dry foods with broth, melted butter or margarine, gravy, mayonnaise, salad dressing, sauces, or yogurt.

Mouth Care

  • Xerostomia makes it easier to get cavities; clean teeth as often and as well as you can.
  • Do not breathe through your mouth. Use a cool-mist humidifier at night to moisten the air in your room. Have someone clean the humidifier regularly.
  • Use lip balm on dry or cracked lips.
  • Use artificial saliva to keep your mouth moist. You can get this in a pharmacy without a prescription.
  • Medications are available to treat xerostomia. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for information.

These patient information materials should be used in conjunction with verbal counseling. They are not intended as the sole source of information patients receive about managing cancer therapy complications.

From the Cancer Chemotherapy Manual, © 2001, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics, Salt Lake City, UT. Published by Facts and Comparisons, St Louis, MO, www.drugfacts.com