• Reference Number: HEY1489/2024
• Departments: Speech and Language
• Last Updated: 31 May 2024

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English

Information on managing taste changes following chemo radiotherapy to the head and/or neck

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about taste changes following chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head and/or neck.  Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) but may act as a starting point for discussion.   If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with your SLT.

Will chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to my head and/or neck affect my taste?

Taste changes are common during your treatment.  Some people describe their food as tasting metallic, salty, like cardboard or that all foods taste the same.  This can affect your appetite and enjoyment of foods.

Will my taste improve after treatment?

Taste changes after chemotherapy treatment usually stop after three to four weeks of treatment.  Taste changes after radiotherapy treatment usually take longer and begin to improve two to three months after you complete your treatment.  Taste changes may continue to improve a year after completing your treatment and may not entirely return to normal.

How can I improve taste after completing treatment?

The following advice may help to improve your taste:

• Clean and rinse your mouth before swallowing.
• If your mouth feels dry, you may find using a gentle moisturising mouthwash helpful before swallowing.
• Try using plastic cutlery to lessen metallic tastes.
• Try bland, smooth foods which are low in salt content. Some examples are pureed fruit or vegetables, custard, mousse, semolina, smooth yoghurt.
• Try 3 spoonful of food, 3-5 times a day. Move the food as far around your mouth as you can.  Spit it out.  This is to help your taste buds get used to different flavours, tastes and textures again. Practise at your normal mealtimes so that you get back into your normal routine.
• Choose foods that smell good, as smell can affect your taste.
• Have a glass of water with meals. Use this to cleanse your mouth between mouthfuls, so that the next mouthful has more chance to stimulate your taste buds.
• Keep re-trying different flavours regularly, as something that has no taste one day might have flavour a few weeks later.
• Once you are managing bland foods, you may wish to increase the range of flavours and tastes as tolerated.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Speech and Language Therapy Department.