Dry Mouth
Date issued: April 2023
Review date: April 2025
Ref. C-303/SC/Maxillofacial/Dry Mouth V6
PDF: Dry Mouth leaflet final April 2023 v6.pdf [pdf] 195KB
The Dry Mouth Clinic was set up for patients who are experiencing the distressing symptoms of a ‘dry mouth’.
This condition may be a permanent side effect of treatment or medication.
The purpose of the clinic is to offer advice and support. It is run by trained nursing staff.
The clinic does not replace regular visits to your own Dentist. You should be seeing your Dentist every 6 months if you have a dry mouth.
We welcome continuous feedback which will enable us to improve this service to others with this condition.
Why might I have a dry mouth?
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Medication
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Mouth breathing
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Radiotherapy to the head or neck
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Surgery to the mouth
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Chemotherapy
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Dehydration
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Sjogrens Syndrome
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Anxiety
What are the symptoms of a dry mouth?
Difficulty when eating dry foods
Pain or difficulty on swallowing
General mouth discomfort
Poor or altered taste
Denture problems
Increased tooth decay and gum disease
Speech difficulties
What will help me cope with a dry mouth?
Brush your teeth twice a daily with fluoride toothpaste and use a fluoride mouth rinse
Sip water or sugar free drinks frequently
Eat foods moistened with gravies and sauces
Consume sugars in the diet at meal times only
Use mouth care products as advised by healthcare professionals
Chew sugar free gum
Remove dentures at night
Tobacco products and alcohol is to be avoided as they will cause further dryness
Use Vaseline®/lip salve for dry/cracked lips
Brush your tongue to remove debris
Further Information
The Mouth Cancer Foundation
Cancerbackup
Tel: 0808 808 00 00
NHS Choices
Tel: 111
British Dental Health Foundation
Tel: 01788546365
Lets Face It
Tel: 01843 833724
I Can’t Chew Cook Book
J R Wilson
ISBN-10: 0897933990
ISBN-13: 978-0897933995
Mucosamin Social Media Communities
‘Mucosa Matters’
