Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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A dry mouth may be caused by medication or a side effect of treatment. Below are some hints and tips you may find useful.
Eating and Drinking
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, aim for 8-10 glasses. You may find sipping drinks frequently easier to manage and helps to keep your mouth moist
- Suck ice cubes, freeze fruit juice or try ice lollies
- Moisten your food with gravy, sauces, butter, custard, cream or evaporated milk
- Some people find that sticky, chewy and dry foods such as bread, peanut butter, chocolate and pastry stick to the roof of the mouth. Avoid them if they do as you may find them difficult to swallow
- If you are advised to take nutritional supplement drinks, do try to continue these. Serving them chilled, with ice or frozen may help
Stimulate saliva flow and moisten mouth:
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Use sharp flavours such as lemon juice, grapefruit juice, pineapple or vinegar
- Suck on sugar-free sweets or mints
- A pharmacist can help if you have a dry mouth – a range of gels, sprays and lozenges are available to buy. Ask for advice as not all products will be suitable for everyone
- Chewing and jaw movements can stimulate saliva production. If you are on a texture modified diet, check with your speech and language therapist for advice on how to do this safely
Mouth care
- Mouth hygiene is important to prevent tooth decay and keep your mouth clean. Use a mouthwash and brush your teeth regularly, especially if you are having a lot of sugary drinks or snacks
- If you have oral thrush, take the medications that you have been given to treat this
- Keep lips moist with lip balm
- Try to breathe through your nose, rather than your mouth as much as possible
If you are struggling to eat or drink enough due to your dry mouth, please let your Nurse or Doctor know - you may need extra support to get the nutrition you need.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
HH/004
Approval date:
1 November 2025
Review date:
1 November 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.