2023 Head & Neck Cancer Conference Guide Book

Why caring for
a dry mouth
is important
for oral cancer
patients
Radiotherapy or chemotherapy
treatments to the head and neck can
often affect the salivary glands, which
may result in your mouth becoming dry.
After treatment you might find your dry
mouth disappears as the salivary glands
recover, but your saliva might be thicker and stickier than before.
For some patients dry mouth becomes a permanent problem.
Why is saliva important?
Saliva plays an important role in both keeping your mouth moist
and comfortable, as well as keeping the mouth healthy.
Whilst saliva is 99% water, the remaining 1% [which includes
proteins, enzymes and immunoglobulins] is responsible for
numerous functions, such as talking, eating and digesting food,
which we often take for granted.
Saliva helps wash away food debris, restore the natural pH of
the mouth to protect dental hard tissues [such as enamel] and
protect against tooth decay.
A lack of saliva
A lack of saliva, or change in its texture, might make chewing
and swallowing food, or even talking more difficult. It can also
increase the risk of dental problems, such as tooth decay and
gum disease.
So it’s vital to maintain your oral hygiene to minimise the risk
of oral disease especially for those that may be nil by mouth or
PEG fed. Regular dental visits, as well as brushing your teeth
twice a day with an appropriate fluoride toothpaste is important.
Ask your dentist or hygienist for advice on toothpastes as some
contain foaming agents [commonly sodium lauryl sulphate –
SLS], which can dry your mouth further.
Managing a dry mouth
You might also find artificial saliva products, such as Oralieve Moisturising Mouth
Spray or Gel, can help moisten your mouth and throat, making speaking, eating and
swallowing more comfortable.
The Oralieve range of products is specially designed for people suffering from dry or
sensitive mouths to help provide relief throughout the day and night. Formulated
with bioactive ingredients and enzymes which help supplement the natural systems
in saliva, Oralieve works to restore the natural balance of the mouth, whilst providing
effective relief.
Some products can be prescribed, such as Oralieve Mouth Spray and Gel, or can be
purchased from pharmacies or online.
Day or night, Oralieve has you covered
If you are experiencing difficulty in swallowing food, why not try applying Oralieve
Moisturising Mouth Gel. Simply take a pea-sized
amount of the gel and massage into the cheeks,
tongue and gums 20 minutes before eating.
When you are out and about Oralieve
Moisturising Mouth Spray is a simple and
discreet option for use during the day. Simply
spray into the cheeks to instantly refresh your
mouth and provide effective relief from a dry
mouth.
Night-time can be a real challenge for dry
mouth sufferers as the mouth naturally
produces less saliva. Sipping water can often
lead to interrupted sleep and increased visits to
the toilet.
Applying Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Gel 20
minutes before bed, and supplementing with
Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Spray can help
keep your mouth feeling moist and comfortable,
aiding restful sleep.
Find out what works best for you
Every mouth is different, so it is important to try
different types of artificial saliva product to find
out which work best for you.
Ask your dental professional for advice as they
may be able to give you samples to try. For
samples of Oralieve products visit www.oralieve.
co.uk or email hello@oralieve.co.uk.
To find out more visit www.oralieve.co.uk
28 HEAD & NECK CANCER CONFERENCE 2023
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