Taste, Chew, Swallow, Speak (Part 1)

No smoking! Smoking exacerbates dry mouth and promotes additional bacterial growth.

If you are experiencing dry mouth during cancer treatment, keep in mind that it will probably go away. Salivary glands often recover over time, even up to several months, although in a few cases the damage is permanent.

Alert your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• Severe dry mouth for more than 3 days
• Dry, cracked, or bleeding lips
• Mouth sores that impair eating or won't heal
• White patches on your tongue or cheeks which may be a sign of infection
• Difficulty breathing due to dry mouth or throat
• Lightheadedness with standing

- Dr. Amy Thomas