Susan.......Biotene mouthwash contains no alcohol and I found it to be the one product that help rid my oral cavity of all the thick ropey saliva that comes with radiation. Try the water pic too. That helped and was also very soothing. I used cool water when using the water pic, nothing too cold or too warm or it may cause some discomfort. I had a suction machine when I was hospitalized but it really never worked well for me. I'm so sorry your Mother is feeling so poorly right now and so uncomfortable. Things will get better as time passes, it just takes a while. Hang in there! Sincerely, Donna