I loved my feeding tube. Meds, all hydration and formula went in there. My mouth rinse was the standard baking soda...I skipped the salt. I had 35 rounds of radiation. During week 3 I had one mouth sore that lasted 3 days and healed. No other mouth sores. My swallowing was challenge enough due to tongue cancer and reconstruction. Post radiation my taste returned within one week. I figured my mouth had been through enough and was due a rest. So I chose the tube. It worked great for me. I had less pain than most and rapid healing. I never had to take IV hydration. I know others had problems with dehydration. You decide what's best for you. For me a food tube worked out great.