CancerCompass message board discussion started by gatorgirl on 11/1/2007 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,17582,0.htm Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ Does any one have dry mouth from having radiation to the mouth? If so what do you do for it? I had radiation for tongue cancer 29 months ago and my mouth is so dry and the tissue is very fagile. Any advice , I would love to here. I rinse with baking soda/water. It helps some. I have to get up at night to rinse my mouth. Thanks gatorgirl Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT here is a list of products that my husband uses (all are purchased from the drug store over the counter)..... Mouth Kote - Oral Moisturizer (spray) made by Parnell pharmaceuticals Oasis from Sensodyne (spray) Oral Balance dry mouth moisturizing Gel from biotene (tube of gel) then other products are also used from Biotene- their mouthwash and their toothpaste as well as their chewing gum. He uses them all. The oral balance gel, a dab if he wakes up in the night on his tongue to keep the stringy stuff from forming. The Oasis in his pocket at all times (almost more important then his water bottle (I think this is his favorite). The mouth kote would be as favored as oasis if it was a more convenient size to keep with him. It sits in the living room by the tv. and finally, the biotene toothpaste is a must, but not for on going. He has also tried Accupuncture, occasionally sugarless candy, but the above products are essentials. Birdies Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Thank you for the information. I have tried almost everything to mention. When I use biotene mouth wash, it burns. The ENT & Dentist said all my tissue is almost burnt up gatorgirl Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT Xerostomia is a common side effect of radiation. It is more or less , depending on the area treated. In some cases nowadays we can spare the salivary glands to some degree and it is not AS bad. Sometimes , if IMRT is used , it can decrease the dose and some recovery occurs over time. If 2 dimensional or even 3D was used and it is a tongue lesion then recovery would be minimal. Many people adapt to it with time. Witchdoctor Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT You might want to try accupuncture.  There was a clinical study showing favorable results.  I use the biotene products as well.  Also for your mouth sensitiviy you might try goggling and swishing glucosamine.  I found aloe juice and vitamen E helpful.  Michael12 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT I was treated with radiation for throat cancer in february through April of this year and suffer from dry mouth and eating problems (lost 40 lbs and can't get it back). Use Oralbalance and drink alot of water. But the constant dry mouth is driving me crazy. I keep hoping things will improve. gatorgeezer Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT