SSF: Eating Tips for Dry Mouth Patients

Check out the latest Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation's newest Patient Education Sheet:

Patient Education Sheet
Eating Tips for Dry Mouth Patients

• Avoid foods and beverages at high temperatures. Select warm, cool or cold itms instead.
• Steer clear of highly spiced foods, as these can irritate the mucosal lining of the mouth.
• Avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, natural citrus juices, as these may cause burning mouth.
• Test your tolerance for citrus, such as oranges, lemons, grapefruits, kiwis, pineapples and strawberries. Acidic foods can irritate the mouth and erode enamel.
• Avoid eating hard, dry foods; or take small sips of water to help break them down.
• Use sauces when cooking and whenever possible to help with swallowing.
• Try cooking meats wrapped in foil with sauces and vegetables added to seal in moisture.
• Stew meats or cook as a pot roast, as these methods make the meat easier to swallow.
• Avoid cooking meat directly on the grill or fringe foods, because these methods can create hard crusts.
• Select chicken or turkey legs and thighs, as these tend to contain more moisture compared to drier breast meat.
• Always choose soft cuts of meat and soft cheeses, including cream cheese.
• Try soft foods such as casseroles, shuffles, puddings, yogurt and scrambled eggs.
• Avoid sugar to prevent cavities. If consumed, brush teeth immediately or at least rinse your mouth with water.
• Increase saliva with one of two FDA-approved prescriptions: cevimeline (Evoxac) or pilocarpine (Salagen).
• Check out other resource sheets with tips on protecting your teeth and mouth at www.sjogrens.org. Go to "About Sjogren's" and then click on "Brochures and Resources Sheets." Keeping your oral cavity in good shape will help you better cope with eating. 

For more information on Sjogren's, contact the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation at: 6707 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD20817  

800-475-6473  www.sjogrens.org  ssf@sjogrens.org