{"id":3903,"date":"2022-05-13T01:42:04","date_gmt":"2022-05-13T01:42:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oncoalicia.com\/nutrition-during-head-and-neck-cancer-treatment\/dry-mouth\/"},"modified":"2025-07-04T08:49:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T08:49:18","slug":"dry-mouth","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oncoalicia.com\/en\/types-of-cancer\/head-and-neck\/dry-mouth\/","title":{"rendered":"Dietary Recommendations for Dry Mouth in Head and Neck Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Having a dry mouth is called xerostomia and it is a common symptom in patients with head and neck cancer. It can last for months after the end of treatment and is the most frequent chronic symptom in the treatment of this type of cancer. It is caused by a decrease in the quality and quantity of saliva secreted, mainly caused by radiotherapy treatment and resection surgery. Depending on the type of treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy), changes in the diet will be more or less noticeable, therefore diet must be adapted and modified to each specific need.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Rinse your mouth before meals and maintain good oral hygiene. <\/i>
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You can use water and baking soda, lemon, or chamomile to rinse your mouth. It is important to brush your teeth after meals.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Keep lips moisturised with lip balm.<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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Drink fluids frequently. <\/i>
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Always carry a small bottle of water with you so that you can take small sips.<\/p>\n