If you have chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the head or neck, the flow of saliva may be reduced, causing dry mouth. This may make food harder to chew and swallow. It can also change the way food tastes.

You may want to try some of the following:

• Try sweet or tart foods that will help you produce more saliva ( Do not try this if you have a sore mouth or throat)
• Suck on sugar-free, hard candies or popsicles, or chew sugar-free gum to help you produce saliva
• Eat food that is soft or pureed
• Use lip salves to keep your lips moist
• Use butter, thin gravies, and other sauces on foods to make swallowing easier
• Sip water every few minutes
• Talk with your doctor or dentist about products that might help