Chewing difficulties

The presence of cancer in the mouth and throat and also changes in function following treatment can make chewing more difficult. Sometimes it is more difficult to move the food around the mouth, sometimes there is a reduction in the ability to bite.

At the Regional Unit we have a specialist Consultant Restorative Dental Surgeon (Mr Butterworth) who will help you manage any chewing difficulties. You usually see Mr Butterworth before treatment.Sometimes this is simple care in conjunction with your dentist, occasionally it is new dentures and bridges and much less frequently it is by implants (screw in teeth).

Please raise the issue of chewing at the out-patient or ward visit if you have concerns. If needs be the team will arrange for you to see Mr Butterworth again.

Ask about 'Gelclair' if you mouth is sore as this gives a protective film and helps reduce irritation. Click here to find out more about Gelclair.

Also if you have difficulty opening your mouth ask about 'Therabite'.

Other products include:

Ora-light - oral motoer exercise system (Kapitex). There are instuments like spoons that can help give exercise to stimulat the lips, the tongue tip, the main part of the tongue and the back of the tongue. Please ask our Speech and Language Therapist if you would like more information.

Kapitex also produce "Chewy tubes" which are aimed at promoting better biting and chewing skills. It might be that youe chewing difficulties are very complex so please ask for advice as it might be that other ways are more suitable.