The causes of the side-effects of cancer treatments that affect the mouth (oral mucositis, taste abnormalities, and xerostomia/thick saliva) are as follows:   

 

Oral mucositis is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the mouth, throat and esophagus. This inflammation can then cause pain and mouth dryness, alterations in taste and an increased risk of infections (1). Oral mucositis is a common side-effect of radiation treatments to