Saliva

Reduced saliva is very common following radiotherapy to the mouth and throat. It can make it more difficult to chew, swallow and speak. Very occasionally patients feel that they have too much saliva.

A dry mouth makes keeping your teeth and mouth clean much more difficult. There are several things you can try suich as artifical saliva - pastilles to suck or a spray. Patients preference differs so you might want to try several - just ask. Some patients find a bottle of water the best solution. There are tablets you can take that try to make your body make more saliva but these are not used very often.

Please be very very careful about your teeth. Saliva protects the teeth and if you have sugary drinks the teeth will rot.

Please discuss the issue of dry mouth wth your dentist. Our Specialist Consultant Restorative Dentist can advise you and it might be that you should see our hygenist. Ask about 'Oramoist', 'Saliva Orthana', and Glandosane (this is acidic and should be used with caution if you have teeth).