Dry mouth and mouth care in serious illness

Dry mouth is common with cancer treatment, many medicines and serious illness. It makes eating, talking and sleeping harder and raises the risk of sores and cavities. A simple daily routine eases it.

Gentle brushing

Brush teeth and gums 2 to 3 times a day for 2 to 3 minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss gently once a day.¹ If toothpaste stings, dip the brush in salt water: 1 teaspoon of salt in 4 cups of water.¹

A homemade rinse

Rinse 5 or 6 times a day for 1 to 2 minutes with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 4 cups of water.¹ Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol.¹

Keep the mouth moist

Sip water through the day and keep water by the bed at night.¹ Sugar-free candy or gum helps, and lip balm prevents cracked lips.¹ If allowed, drink 8 to 12 cups of liquid a day, not counting caffeinated drinks.¹

Easier eating

Choose soft foods with gravy, broth or sauce, eat small meals more often, and cut food small.¹ Avoid alcohol, very spicy, acidic, very hot or very cold foods, and sugary foods and drinks.¹

Ask the dentist or provider

Ask about saliva substitutes, medicines that help the mouth make saliva, and rinses that protect the teeth.¹ If pills are hard to swallow, ask before crushing them, since some don’t work crushed.¹

At the end of life

When someone can no longer drink, a moist swab, a few drops of water and lip balm keep the mouth comfortable. A hospice nurse or aide can show the family how.