Overview
Diet recommendations for mouth problems
Important
This information is produced for adults under the care of Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals. We usually give you the information after an assessment or appointment. Your dietitian or other healthcare professional may give you different guidance, depending on your specific medical needs.
It is important to check with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet. Please contact your dietitian if you have any questions or concerns.
If you are not a patient at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals, please contact a GP or specialist healthcare professional.
Your mouth can become sore if you have:
- dentures that do not fit properly
- mouth ulcers
- an infection
- a dry mouth as a side effect of medicine
Mouth problems can make eating and drinking unpleasant, but it is important that you continue to eat and drink as well as you can.
This information gives you practical tips on:
Eating and drinking tips if you have mouth problems
Here are some practical tips on what to eat and drink if you have mouth problems:
Do
- choose soft foods, as these need less chewing
- serve meals with a sauce, such as gravy, tomato sauce, cheese sauce, white sauce, parsley or peppercorn sauce, hollandaise, cream or custard, to keep food moist
- try soaking dry foods to make them easier to eat, such as serving cereal with warm milk or plant-based milk, dipping bread into soup or dunking biscuits into your cup of tea
- allow foods and drinks to cool down and take small mouthfuls at a time
- use a straw in your drinks throughout the day
- stimulate the flow of saliva in your mouth by sucking ice cubes or boiled sweets, or chewing gum
- eat cool, smooth foods to refresh and soothe your mouth, such as yoghurts, ice cream or mousses
- use lip balm to help with chapped dry lips
Don't
- do not eat salty, spicy or sharp foods, which may sting your mouth
- do not drink alcohol or smoke, as these activities irritate your mouth and throat
Speak to a GP, pharmacist or dentist if you:
- have a white coating on your tongue or taste changes
- think that you have a mouth infection or oral thrush
- have difficulties with swallowing foods, drinks or medicines
Dental care
It is important to:
- keep your mouth clean and healthy (have good dental hygiene)
- visit your dentist regularly
If you have a sore or dry mouth, this can make you more likely to get tooth decay.
Here are some practical tips to help with your dental care:
Do
- leave dentures (false teeth) to soak in a denture-cleaning solution overnight and brush them to remove all debris
- remove your dentures when you can to help prevent chafing (soreness caused by rubbing)
- visit your dentist to get your dentures refitted if they do not fit properly because you have lost weight, or ask to be referred to the community dentist
Resource number: 4067/VER4
Last reviewed: February 2026
Next review: February 2029
