Also, chew Xylitol gum after eating -- the dental brand is XyliMax and it comes in a mild fruit flavor which doesn't burn the mouth the way mint flavors can. The gum does three things:

1) Reduces residual sugars in the mouth and thus the risk of tooth decay
2) Chewing action stimulates salivary production (such as it is) and increases mouth moisture
3) Chewing action improves tone of jaw muscles which can be afected by radiation

Our dental oncologist, who is considered an expert on effects of radiation on the mouth and teeth, heartily endorses this gum and says that it can be chewed "as much as you want". He also recommends use of Biotene products (as opposed to compettors) as they replace some of the important enzymes etc. in saliva.

Gail