Dry Mouth During Radiation Therapy: How to Cope

Anyone undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck area will tell you that the most troublesome side effect is dry mouth. During radiation therapy, the salivary glands become exposed to radiation, causing mild to severe damage. The result is a decrease of saliva production. While we all have experienced dry mouth at one time or another, it does not compare to that of a person who has undergone radiation therapy. Foods are hard to swallow. Water doesn't moisten the tongue or inside of the mouth. Mouth sores can form. As you can see, it can be both frustrating and devastating....Read Full Post
Source: About.com Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news