Chemotherapy and radiation treatments can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), but that doesn’t mean you should suffer with a dry mouth, not if you have Xerostom!
Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands do not make enough saliva, or spit, to keep the mouth moist. Because saliva is needed for chewing, swallowing, tasting and talking, these activities may be more difficult with a dry mouth.
The signs and symptoms of dry mouth:
- A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth.
- Thick, stringy saliva.
- Pain or a burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue.
- Cracks in the lips or at the corners of the mouth.
- A dry, tough tongue.
- Difficulty chewing, tasting, or swallowing.
- Difficulty talking.
Dry mouth also often causes dental problems. Saliva helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. Without enough saliva, the bacteria and other organisms in the mouth grow too quickly. Saliva also washes away acids and food particles left in the mouth after eating. This means that a lack of saliva can cause gum disease and cavities (tooth decay). Dry mouth may also make it difficult to wear dentures.
Causes of dry mouth
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments cause dry mouth by damaging the salivary glands. Chemotherapy causes dry mouth by making saliva thicker.
Radiation therapy to the head, face, or neck may also cause dry mouth; it can take six months or longer for the salivary glands to start producing saliva again after the radiation therapy ends.
Some people notice dry mouth improving during the first year after radiation treatment. But, many people will continue experiencing some level of long-term dry mouth. This is especially likely if the radiation therapy was directed at the salivary glands.
Dry mouth relief
Xerostom is a complete line of oral care products, specially formulated for people with dry mouth or xerostomia. The patented combination of olive oil, betaine and xylitol has shown to:
- Increase salivary flow by up to 200%1.
- Relieve pain associated with xerostomia.
- Improve dryness of the mouth and throat.
Relieve thirst due to lack of saliva.
Where to get Xerostom?
Xerostom is available online, or at Dis-Chem and at other leading independent pharmacies.
