lingering dry mouth & mouth soreness

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Meme14470
Meme14470 Member Posts: 30 Member
in Breast Cancer #1

Does anyone know how long the dry mouth symptoms last after chemo?  I finished all my treatments (ACT) 11 days ago and still have soreness & severe dry mouth.  I drink a TON of water throughout the day, use biotene mouthwash, salt/baking soda rinse, crest mouthwash (no alcohol in it) and brush at least 3 times a day.  I am going back to work in a week and was hopeful that the dry mouth would be gone soon.... I do get relief with constant gum chewing (sugar free with xylitol) but am not a fan of chewing gum.  Just wondering if anyone knows how long to expect this to continue!

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  • peony
    peony Member Posts: 306 Member
    edited June 2016 #2
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    Dry mouth

    I finished chemo on Taxol and didn't have as many mouth problems as I had on the AC.  I had mouth sores and trouble swallowing. They gave me a prescription for liquid lidocaine that I was to mix with Maalox and use as a mouth rinse.  A week later, I was off the AC and on to Taxol and my symptoms got a lot better so I never used it.  I would call the medical onc. Just because you finished treatment doesn't mean they can't help you.  Best wishes.

  • Meme14470
    Meme14470 Member Posts: 30 Member
    edited August 2016 #3
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    Still suffering

    Still suffering from dry mouth, the medical onc is stumped as to why this is lingering for so long as it usually corrects itself within a few weeks!  Seeing ENT now who prescribed a salivary stimulant, which helps for only short time after taking it then wears off.  I continue with various OTC products and it really sucks!  Who knew your spit was such a valuable commodity!  I am hopeful the salivary glands willkick in eventually, maybe just takes a long time.

  • Tmonster
    Tmonster Member Posts: 2
    #4
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    Dry mouth

    I've been using an otc product called XyliMelts. They are like breath mints but they stick to your back teeth or gums. They dissolve slowly over several hours and keeps your salivary glands busy. I only use them at night but they can be used anytime. Takes a little getting used to but they work very well. Many drug stores don't have them but I've gotten them on line at Amazon. Won't do much for the mouth sores though...

  • Meme14470
    Meme14470 Member Posts: 30 Member
    #5
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    OTC products

    I do use the xylimelts at night also, have tried them during the day, but is awkward and not comfortable during the day, i use various biotene products, salt & baking soda rinse, sugar free dry mouth drops, chewing gum with xylitol, mouth kote spray, rite aid brand has a nice spray, mouthwash without alcohol, and a couple of others... I'm just tired of the rigorous oral routine that doesn't even make it bearable!  I have to see the ENT again in a coule of weeks, gonna ask her if she will prescribe a pilocarpine lollipop I've read a little about, hoping that ultimately it will clear up after awhile, radiation is far away from the salivary glands and I take no other meds, the only thing i can think of is it's the chemo that damaged it somehow.

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