The mystery is actually pretty simple. Once xerostomia takes hold and chronic dry mouth is a problem (particularly in the first 12 months after treatments), the tissues in the back of the mouth and throat become chronically dried out. These soft tissues develop microscopic cracks in them, not visible to the naked eye, that are the source of all the discomfort when spicy, acidic, or carbonated things come in contact with them. Depending on the degree of moisture remaining in our mouths these are a big problem, or a little one. It

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.