Possible Problems

 

• Acid Reflux
• Being on Oxygen
• Dry Mouth - Xerostomia
• Dental Issues
• Depression
• Hypothyroidism
• Lymphedema
• Neck and Shoulder Dysfunction
• Pain Management
• Peg Tube
• Recurrent Disease
• Second Primaries
• Stroke and Vascular Problems Related to Head Neck Radiation
• Swallowing
• Yeast

 

Dry Mouth - Xxerostomia

 

 

RECOMMENDED SITES

http://www.drymouth.info/consumer/TreatmentForDM.asp

This site lists various treatments and suggestions for easing dry mouth.

There is also a table listing the names of several commercially available Salivary Stimulants, Oral Moisturizers and Salivary Substitutes.

 

HINTS - for helping dry mouth from our members

1. Be aware that in my case, the mask and lead shield did not protect my salivary glands and esophagus which led to my lacking the saliva necessary to swallow as well as shrinking my esophagus by 30%. Some tricks I learned to compensate were:
a. Don't use Listerine as it has alcohol that dries up saliva; use Biotene, which is alcohol free.
b. Stimulate your salivary glands in the morning by eating something sweet. c. Get nourishment by drinking Boost and low acid, no pulp orange juice. I received proper nourishment.
d. By exercising my esophagus and salivary glands, I'm now able to eat frosted carrot cake, cheese food, goldfish and ice cream which has allowed me to gain 30 pounds.
John Fehr, Hamburg,NY