One typical adverse effect of radiation or chemoradiation, as well as several drugs, is xerostomia, or dry mouth. It might be unpleasant and make it hard to eat and talk. There are several things that can assist whether your symptoms of dry mouth are transient or chronic.
Read More: Dry Mouth Prevention
Water
Drink water all day long.
humidifier
A humidifier can be quite helpful if used once or twice a day, especially at night in your sleeping area. Either a warm or cool mist will do; just use your preference. Humidifiers come in a variety of forms and sizes. Some are compact and intimate, while others just project steam into the space around you. Some even come with face masks.
A bottle of water spray
Have a water-filled spray bottle close at hand, and use it to mist your mouth as required. You may prolong the moisturizing benefits of the water by adding a few drops of glycerin or aloe.
You can get glycerin, also known as glycerol, online and in cake decorating supply stores. It is a cheap, tasteless, and harmless component. Since it is a humectant, moisture is drawn to and retained by it. A few drops of glycerin should be added to some water, swung about in your mouth, and then spat out. Or create an oral mist: You don’t have to spit it out; just use four drops of glycerin in an ounce-sized spray bottle of water and use as needed. (Note: Avoid getting drops in your mouth or tongue immediately. They need to be diluted with water.)
Candy, Lozenges, or Gum without Sugar
The normal production of saliva might be triggered by something in the mouth. If the flavors are not very corrosive or acidic, citrus, cinnamon, and mint are excellent taste selections. Look for ones that come in many local drugstores and include baking soda and sugarless gum with aloe, xylitol, glycerin, or other moisturizing substances.
Increased Humidity During Meals
Drink water in between bites of food. It can also be beneficial to add sauces, gravies, soups, and condiments.
Steer clear of alcohol and caffeine.
Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, which can lead to extreme dryness.
Non-alcoholic Mouthwashes
Drinking alcohol might exacerbate mouth dryness. The majority of kids’ mouthwashes don’t include alcohol, and many manufacturers offer an alcohol-free variant.
Saliva Alternatives
Find out from your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications that are available in spray or drop form.
Prescription Drugs for Pilocarpine
Find out from your doctor if these are suitable for you.
Frozen Cucumber or Melon
For a couple of hours, try putting a cool, hydrating slice between your cheek and gum. Use one or more each day and store some thinly sliced in a compact freezer-safe bag.
Nasal wash or oral sprays
Moisturizing your nasal passages might help ease the symptoms of dry mouth. Your dentist or physician might be able to suggest some choices.
Laxatives
Certain fiber laxatives function by attracting water to your intestines; they can also have this effect on your oral cavity. Consult your physician or therapist about recommended brands. Combine a small amount, swirl it in your mouth, and then expel it. (Swallowing it might result in diarrhea; avoid doing so.)
Papaya Tablets
The papaya fruit’s enzyme, papain, promotes saliva production and aids in protein digestion.
The use of acupuncture
Studies indicate that it can be beneficial. For example, eight weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced xerostomia in cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.