My husband was finished with his radiation treatments December 2010 and continues to have eating issues. He can open his mouth fully, but the taste buds are VERY different now than they used to be. Sweets are now bitter and many other things just don't taste the same. Dry mouth is always an issue, I hate to say. We haven't found anything that helps. Xylitol is something that helps in mouth wash and they also have it in gum & mints. You can find it on Amazon or in Sprouts or maybe other health food stores. Stevia has a little less bitter than sugar. He drinks several glasses of water or coffee with every meal. He uses a lot of Tostito Queso to get most meals down. So, yes you're not alone in your symptoms.