Head and neck cancer: Saliva production still low after treatment

It will take many months and up to a year or so for the salvia glands to start functioning somewhat normal. Radiation basically has provided a very severe burn to the throat. Burn wounds are very slow to heal. My guess is it was 6 months before my taste and salvia were at 65 % . It will SLOWLY get better. Today 2 years out I am about 90% back. God Speed to you!

Hi @connie62 I too had considerable loss of saliva after radiation. I think you will discover that many if not most patients have or had this issue. In my case and I know of two other cases, one salivary gland was rerouted, mine being into my left nostril, which results in my nose running by appearance when I eat.
I always have liquids available when I eat and a water supply at the bedside for sleeping. My situation improved somewhat when I had a mandible rebuilt twenty years post cancer. Apparently an additional salivary duct was opened which vastly improved my eating experience.
These issues it seems we learn to live with and continue on in life, carrying our ever growing bag of hammers. Your experience however is greatly appreciated in this forum and I hope you continue to improve as your journey runs its course.

Sure do, nearly 9 years of dry mouth.
There are a couple prescription drugs that might help you so talk to your doctor about it.
For me none of the prescription drugs helped me. There are Xylamelt you can purchase on Amazon or if you have a dental hygienist school nearby they will probably have them too.
The Xylamelt made my mouth “gummy” so I stopped using them but many people have had good results from it so you might want to consider that?
For me: plenty of water and numerous tooth brushing throughout the day helps allot.
Purchase a prescription fluoride paste from your dentist and be sure to apply it at least twice daily, I apply it 2-4 times per day.
Neck message also helps many. Tens units and acupuncture can help too!
Hope this helped
Jody

I'm 16 months after 30 radiation and 3 chemo sessions for tonsil cancer. My taste is still altered and saliva reduced significantly. I carry water with me and need it to eat and swallow. Sometimes it seems to be better than other times. I'm told it could take another year or more...maybe never like it was pre-cancer. I tried acupuncture about a year ago but it didn't help. May try electro-acupuncture later. I use xylimelt tablets a few times a day and when I go to bed. They help some. Brush teeth after every meal and have your dentist give you fluoride treatments or provide the trays so you can do it yourself. Saliva protects your teeth from breaking down. Good luck!

Everyone is different in the after effects of radiation. I had parotid (salivary gland) cancer and my left gland was surgically removed followed by Proton Therapy radiation which only irradiated half of my face. This was 15 years ago. I never fully regained salivation, especially at night. I drink liquid all day and wake up often to drink at night. Surprisingly when I brush my teeth, I salivate. I have lost 5 teeth over the years and 2-3 more are on their way out. My tongue has a major sore and the lining of my cheek always has one or two sores. This is all due to the radiation and there is no cure. I did undergo hyperbaric chamber therapy to improve the sores, and it did, just not enough.
Hopefully, you will be one of the success stories, with little or no loss of teeth and a full salivation recovery. I wish you all the best.

Thank you!

Thanks Jody!

I’m sorry to hear you are going through this pain.

Connie

Thank you. Everyone who visits this site is facing trying times. I am doing a lot better than many others. My heart goes out to all of them.

It's been 19 years for me with dry mouth, and only recently have I seen a mild improvement. I imagine they do a better job of localizing treatment today, so there is hope for things to improve. Water always on hand is how I've survived it. Good luck!