A common side effect of chemo is dry mouth, caused by the reduction of saliva. This causes tooth decay because saliva is needed to neutralize acids from food and dental plaque. Help keep your mouth moist and tooth decay at bay with the following suggestions:

  • Brush and floss after every meal, snack, and before bedtime
  • Use a soft toothbrush and soak in water to soften it before brushing
  • Drink lots of water throughout the day
  • Make sure your mouthwash does not contain alcohol
  • Avoid/limit acidic, spicy, and hot foods
  • Use a product like Biotene to address dry mouth issues

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