Post-Transplant: Appetite/Taste Bud Shifts/Dry Mouth

It may take some time for your taste buds to return to normal.  Mine were pretty whacky almost until my six month milestone tests, and even at the ten-month point were not completely normal.  Most of my problems at this late point, though, had more to do with dry mouth.  Dry mouth can be caused by some medications, and also by some kidney issues.  Mine has probably been caused by a combination of these two things.


Over time your medications will change and hopefully diminish as the first year draws to a close.  This may eliminate any dry mouth symptoms you might experience.  I had to keep water handy at all time to control this symptom, and found flour-based carbohydrates particularly difficult to eat, since I had so little natural saliva to help break it down.  Because of this dryness, residual food bits will stick to and between your teeth, so it’s important to brush your teeth often.  You should use a fluoride-enriched toothpaste and mouth rinse during this time unless your physician tells you otherwise, since dry mouth can result in cavities and other oral problems.  There are dry mouth toothpastes and mouth rinses available in your local drug store – use them if needed.