Dryness of Mouth
If the cancer patient you’re working with or ministering to complains of dry mouth, you can:
- Encourage daily mouth care and frequent rinsing before and after meals.
- Suggest eating foods that are moist or liquidy – pureed foods may be necessary.
- Suggest the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco.
- Suggest increasing consumption of liquids like mineral water, ginger beer, fruit ices and spritzers.
- Suggest he or she consider using artificial saliva.
- Suggest the use of sugar-free gum and lemon drops.
- Suggest the consumption of adequate liquids throughout the day – keeping a beverage with the person at all times.
- Suggest consuming liquids with meals.
- Remind the person that milk products may thicken mucus secretions and suggest trying skim, soy or rice milks.
This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Cancer patients should always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment.