Your chemotherapy treatment is intended to kill the cancer cells in your body. However, the treatment may also harm normal cells, including those in your mouth. Your teeth, your gums, and the glands that make saliva (spit) can all be affected by chemotherapy.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) occurs when the salivary glands produce too little saliva.

Saliva is necessary for tasting, swallowing, and speaking. Saliva also helps prevent infection and tooth decay by neutralizing acid and cleaning the teeth and gums. If too little saliva is produced, the following problems can occur:

• Tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to develop.
• Your mouth is less able to keep itself clean.
• Acid in the mouth is not neutralized.
• Minerals are lost from the teeth.

Symptoms of dry mouth include the following:

• Dryness or stickiness in the mouth
• Soreness of the mouth or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty speaking
• Sore, cracked lips
• Bad breath
• Problems tasting
• Pain and bleeding

Dry mouth during chemotherapy is usually temporary. The salivary glands often recover 2 to 8 weeks after chemotherapy ends.

Things You Can Do to Help With Dry Mouth

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Eat moist foods as much as possible.
• Eat ice chips, sugarless hard candies, and sugarless chewing gum.
• Brush your teeth regularly with baking soda, salt, and warm water.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol (including that in store-bought mouthwashes).

Your Solution for Dry Mouth

GSK’s Oasis^® brand offers both a Moisturizing Mouthwash and a Mouth Spray. They were developed to help manage the symptoms of a dry mouth, and can provide immediate and lasting relief. Oasis is alcohol- and sugar-free with a pleasing mild mint flavor that helps to freshen breath. Learn more about Oasis and dry mouth.