Sore or Dry Mouth

Sore or dry mouth

A sore and dry mouth with Ulcers (mucositis) or an infection, are common side effects of cancer treatment, particularly during or after radiotherapy and certain chemotherapy drugs to the head and neck area.

It can be caused by damage to the salivary gland, leading to decreased saliva production and dry mouth (Xerostomia) which can be made worse by infection such as oral thrush or by problem with your teeth dentures. Any damage is usually temporary and most side effects disappear gradually when treatment ends.

Management and relief for sore or dry mouth

• Eating foods served at moderate temperatures rather than extremes. Foods that are too hot or too cold can be painful. Ensure you heat food to recommended temperature then let cool.  Aim for taking food little and often and snacks every 2-3 hours.

• Eating soft, moist foods and adding sauces, gravy, custards, butter, cream, etc.

• Adding small amount of sugar to tone down acid foods.

• Using a straw to make drinking easier.  Sips of drink with a meal can help to moisten your food.

• Liquidizing or blending your meals to make them easier to swallow. Opting for meat in a more tender form such as a stewing/ slow cooking meat in a Casserole. Add extra sauces, gravy to moisten the food.

• Ice cream, jelly, sorbet, instant deserts, milky puddings, yogurts and custards make good puddings.

• Sipping on fortified milky drinks/ nourishing drinks i.e. Horlicks, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, between meals can be soothing to the mouth and improve nutritional intake

• Limiting spicy, acidic and salty foods when you have open mouth sores.

• Avoid dry foods with rough edges e.g. toast, raw vegetables, biscuits or crisps. Or foods that require lots of chewing or are difficult to swallow.

• Avoid irritants, Very hot or cold drinks may irritate a sore mouth.  Drinks that are lukewarm or at room temperature are more soothing.

• Practice good oral hygiene.  Brush your teeth with recommended tooth brush and tooth paste regularly.   Use of mouthwashes can be helpful. Ask your doctor or clinic staff about appropriate products.

• Stay dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day

Including water, sugar free drinks and broth. Some people find fizzy drinks the more refreshing.

• Tart foods such as lemon juice, grapefruit or pineapple, can stimulate saliva & help with a dry mouth * Not advised if you have open mouth sores. 

• Sucking crushed ice, ice cubes or iced lollies, sugar free sweets may help stimulate saliva production. Try making some with fruit juice or milkshakes, as well as water.

• You may find some foods can be sticky in your mouth and can be difficult to swallow. These include pastry, chocolate, fresh white bread, and mashed potatoes.

• Sucking boiled sweets, chewing gum, pastel and mints may help improve your saliva production if your mouth is not too sore.

• Trail dry mouth products. You can ask your doctor or specialist nurse about artificial saliva spray preparations or moisturizing gels, mouth wash or lozenges. Some of these may be available on prescription or they can be purchased from your local pharmacy/ Over the internet. Ask your team for samples or further information.  Try using an atomizer spray with cold water to keep your mouth moist.

• Use lip balm or water based cream (aqueous or aqua gel) for dry lips

Do not suffer in silence. As soon as you develop symptoms of a sore or dry mouth contact your doctor, Clinic Nurse Specialist or Radiotherapy Team for advice. They can recommend specific treatments and strategies for management of your dry/sore mouth.

For Information on appropriate products available to help relieve the symptoms caused by sore/dry mouth please contact your Clinical Nurse Specialist or GP.

 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Covering the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, Worcestershire Royal Hospital and Kidderminster Hospital

Tel: 01905 760 136

Email: [email protected]

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: [email protected]

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.  

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