Dry mouth
It is called xerostomia and is caused by a decrease in the quality and quantity of saliva secreted, usually caused by some drugs used in cancer treatment.
WHAT DO WE RECOMMEND?
Consider the texture and consistency of food.
- Incorporate foods with a high liquid content into the preparations, such as purees and creams of vegetables, soups, puddings, fruit purees, custards, milkshakes, jellies or yogurts.
- Prioritize: rice, pasta and well-cooked vegetables; fresh, soft or creamy cheeses; vegetables, not fibrous and very cooked; most fish; tortillas and scrambled eggs; some tender meats, such as shredded chicken leg, stewed meat, puddings or meat pies; ripe and soft fruits, cooked or in syrup.
- Adding sauces to some drier preparations, such as béchamels, vinaigrettes, light mayonnaise, etc.
- Avoid thick, doughy, dry and fibrous foods, such as bread, some meats
grilled, very thick mashed potatoes, etc.
Some suggested recipes:
Consuming acidic foods to stimulate saliva production (as long as the dry mouth is not accompanied by sores in the mouth or throat)
- Between meals, eat pieces of acidic fruit, such as pineapple or orange. Chew sugar-free gum or candies.
- Prepare both cold and hot dishes with acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons, red fruits and other fruits.
- Add a squeeze of lemon to the preparations that allow it, such as a grilled fish fillet.
Some suggested recipes:
Keep lips moisturised with lip balm.
Drink fluids often.
It is advisable to always carry a small water bottle to be able to take small sips as needed.
- Throughout the day to help refresh your mouth and hydrate at the same time. You can also eat ice creams, homemade slushies or leave ice cubes or jellies made with fruit juice or mint or thyme infusions to melt in your mouth.
- During meals it is necessary to facilitate the swallowing of food. A good option is to prepare a diluted lemonade – a liter of water with the juice of a lemon – which, in addition to helping you swallow, can make you salivate a little more.
Some suggested recipes:
Maintain good oral hygiene
To avoid irritation and discomfort, use non-irritating toothpaste and soft toothbrushes and dental floss. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash.
Rinse your mouth before meals and maintain good oral hygiene.
You can use water and baking soda, lemon, or chamomile to rinse your mouth.
It is important to brush your teeth after meals.