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Dry mouth is a common side effect of cancer treatment. If you have a dry mouth, food may also taste bland or be tasteless. Watch our 'dry mouth' and 'taste changes' videos for some tips on how to manage dry mouth and to improve the taste of your meals.

​ Key strategies to assist with dry mouth:

• Sip fluids during the day and with meals.
• Try sucking ice chips. Avoid alcohol, alcohol products (like mouthwash) and caffeine, as these may be drying to the mouth.
• Chew sugar-free gum or lozenges to help stimulate saliva production.
• Add moisture to meals (turn overleaf).
• Discuss with your treating team if you have a dry mouth

 Thick Saliva

• Use mouth wash before and after meals.
• Sip fluid regularly across the day.
• Try drinking sparkling water or dark grape juice.

Who can help?

Doctor
Nurse
Pharmacist
Speech Pathologist
Dietitian

Tips to make it easier to eat with a dry mouth

Drier Foods	Tips to add moisture
Biscuits	Soften in warms drinks e.g. tea, hot chocolate
Bread	Use extra butter/margarine or avocado Soften in soups Soak the bread in egg and milk and cook/fry
Cereal	Cover cereal with additional milk to soften Soak cereal overnight in milk, juice or yoghurt in the fridge
Cakes, slices, crumbly foods	Add yoghurt, custard, cream or ice-cream
Meats, chicken, fish	Try slow cooked meat, flaky fish, or minced meat dishes e.g. Shepherd's pie Add extra gravy or sauce Try meat alternatives e.g. scrambled egg, baked beans
Fruit	Try diced fruit in juice Serve with yoghurt, custard, cream or ice-cream
Vegetables	Add a sauce e.g. cheese sauce Add to soups or stews
Cheese	Try melting cheese through foods like mashed potato