Brian is quite right -- it should be noted that the salivary-stimulating drugs (e.g. Salagen, Evoxac) which are often recommended on this forum, as well as mechanical stimulation such as gum-chewing, depend on there being resdual salivary gland function.

The good news is that improvements in radiation delivery and planning mean that more and more patients are having at least some of their salivary function spared during treatment. Also, the use of amifostine (when it can be tolerated) helps to some extent, but the major gains have been with increasing use of IMRT and helical IMRT (tomoTherapy).

When salivary function is minimal, the Biotene (Oral Balance) products are almost universally considered by physicians and dentists to be superior for the reasons noted -- including restoration of vital salivary enzymes for dental protection.

Gail