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Please Note: For those of you who linked right to this page and are not aware, the Never-Ending Squirrel Tale is a web site for the parents of kids with cancer. They have special dietary needs and this forum is used to exchange ideas from parent to parent on what worked for them.
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Nutrition-Related Topics:
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Dry mouth can be caused by radiation to the head and neck, chemotherapy or other medications. If it is severe, ask the doctor about "artificial saliva" medications.
Practical Tips to relieve dry mouth
- Sip on juices and other fluids throughout the day.
- Take small sips of fluids with each bite of food at meal times.
- Use extra margarine, gravies, sauces, salad dressings, sour cream, mayonnaise or yogurt to moisten foods.
- Dunk or soak dry foods in liquids.
- Suck on sugar-free candies, gum or ice chips made from tart juices, such as pineapple, if no mouth sores are present.
- Eat cold or cool foods with a high liquid content - watermelon, grapes, Popsicle, juice bars, ice cream or yogurt.
- Try to breathe through nose rather than the mouth.
- Check out over-the-counter products from Laclede Inc. Medical Products Division - "Dry Mouth Care for Everyone."
- Aerosol sprays such as GlandoSane® (saliva substitute) are designed for dry mouth and easier to use than product which is applied topically. Comes in multiple flavors.
- Hormel HealthLabs® has a complete line of pureed foods and thickened products for people with swallowing problems. Taste great and packaging is attractive - not too clinical or medical looking.
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