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Dry mouth can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or some medicines. A dry mouth can make talking, chewing, and swallowing food that much harder. It can even change the way food tastes. Some ways to manage this side effect include sipping water throughout your day. Water can help your mouth stay moisturized, which will then help with swallowing and with talking. Carrying a water bottle wherever you go can also help with this. Lemonade or other tart drinks and foods support the production of saliva. However, if you’re dealing with a sore throat or mouth, avoid tart drinks and foods, since they can aggravate the soreness. Chew sugarfree gum or candy, which helps moisten your mouth. But check with your dietician if you’re experiencing issues with diarrhea. Sugarfree products can make the diarrhea worse. Lastly, allow your food to be moistened by sauce, gravy, or salad dressing to make it easier to swallow.
