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Nutrition and daily life

Dry mouth: keeping moisture in

Some medicines, radiotherapy and transplant can cause a dry mouth. Chewing, swallowing and talking get harder, and the risk of tooth decay and infection rises. This section gives simple ways to keep your mouth moist.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A water bottle by the window.
Figure 1.Water all day — Dry mouth: keeping moisture in

01Short answer

Sip water often through the day and keep a drink nearby. Moisten food with sauce, broth or yogurt. Avoid dry, crunchy and very sugary foods, alcohol and caffeine. Sugar-free gum or sweets can boost saliva if your doctor agrees. A humidifier and lip balm help at night. If dryness persists, your team may suggest a saliva substitute or other aids.

02Simple explanation

Sip water often.

Add sauce to food.

Away from alcohol and caffeine.

Tooth care matters.

03Scientific explanation

Xerostomia: less saliva means more tooth decay and mouth infections; radiotherapy and post-transplant reactions can be long-term causes.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

Food

Soft, moist food: stews, porridge, mash, cooked fruit.

Stewed meat and vegetables with sauce.
Figure 2.Food with sauce — Dry mouth: keeping moisture in

Teeth

Soft brush, fluoride toothpaste and regular dental care, agreed with your team.

A small device misting at night.
Figure 3.A humidifier — Dry mouth: keeping moisture in

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
FoodSoft, moist food: stews, porridge, mash, cooked fruit.
TeethSoft brush, fluoride toothpaste and regular dental care, agreed with your team.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Xerostomia
Dry mouth.
Saliva substitute
A product that moistens the mouth.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Drink often.
  • Moisten food.
  • Look after your teeth.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Is lemon water OK?

Acidic drinks can sting with sores; without sores, a little is fine.

Will it pass?

It often improves after treatment; sometimes it lasts longer.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is lemon water OK?

  2. Will it pass?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NCI. Mouth and Throat Problems
  2. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  3. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  5. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  6. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Legumes and Pulses
  7. American Institute for Cancer Research. Dry Beans and Peas (Legumes)
  8. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health — The Nutrition Source. Nuts for the heart
  9. NHS. 5 A Day: what counts?
  10. American Institute for Cancer Research. Recommendations for Cancer Prevention
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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