Taking care of your mouth is particularly essential if you’re having most cancers therapy.
Therapy could make your mouth sore, dry, or extra prone to get infections.
Preserving your mouth clear and moist may help:
- Throughout most cancers therapy.
- In case you are not consuming or ingesting usually.
- In case your immune system is weakened.
Caring to your mouth throughout most cancers therapy
To assist shield your mouth:
- Clear your tooth and mouth gently within the morning and at evening, and after meals when you can.
- Use a mushy toothbrush or a baby’s toothbrush.
- If toothpaste stings or makes you’re feeling sick, use an alcohol-free mouthwash as a substitute. An SLS-free toothpaste might also assist.
- Clear between your tooth each day with interdental brushes or floss, however be mild.
- In the event you put on dentures, clear them within the morning, at evening, and after meals.
- To stop dry or cracked lips, use a delicate lip balm 4–6 occasions a day, or as wanted. Select a water-based, lanolin or wax-based product.
- In case you are having radiotherapy, keep away from petroleum-based lip balms until your care group advises in any other case.
- In case you are not consuming or ingesting a lot, moisten your mouth each two hours utilizing mouthwash or a mouth-care foam.
In the event you begin having mouth issues
Inform your nurse or specialist in case your mouth turns into sore or when you discover ulcers, white patches, or indicators of an infection.
They could:
- Prescribe treatment to ease ache.
- Provide you with alcohol-free mouthwashes to make use of repeatedly.
- Prescribe antifungal therapies if wanted.
- Present a numbing mouthwash in case your mouth could be very sore.
- Provide ache reduction. In extreme instances, stronger ache management could also be wanted.
Ought to I nonetheless see my dentist?
Sure. Dental care remains to be essential throughout most cancers therapy.
- Your dentist can verify your tooth and gums for issues.
- In case you are having radiotherapy to the mouth or head, chances are you’ll be suggested to see your dentist earlier than therapy begins.
- Treating dental issues early may help stop problems later.
Managing dry mouth
Some most cancers therapies and medicines scale back saliva manufacturing. Dry mouth could make consuming, talking and sleeping tough.
Issues that will assist:
- Select mushy, moist meals.
- Use sauces or gravy to make meals simpler to swallow.
- Take small sips of water with meals.
- Drink fluids repeatedly all through the day.
- Milk, water and diluted juices are good choices.
- Dilute citrus juices so they’re much less acidic.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck ice chips.
- Ask your physician or pharmacist about saliva-replacement merchandise.
Modifications to style or scent
Most cancers therapy can have an effect on how meals tastes or smells.
- Some chemotherapy medicine can quickly alter style.
- Radiotherapy to the mouth might trigger longer-term modifications.
Tricks to cope:
- Keep away from meals that style disagreeable, however attempt them once more later.
- Use herbs, delicate spices or marinades so as to add flavour.
- Watch out with spicy meals in case your mouth is sore.
- Sauces may help enhance flavour.
- Chances are you’ll want stronger flavours, equivalent to mature cheese or smoked meals.
- Some individuals select to keep away from their favorite meals throughout therapy to keep away from disliking them later.
In case your mouth turns into sore or contaminated
To cut back discomfort:
- Brush gently with a mushy or child toothbrush.
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash.
- If brushing is painful, use a mouth-care foam stick or gauze dipped in mouthwash.
- Rinse usually if sores kind.
- Ask about gel mouthwashes that coat the mouth and scale back ache.
- Eat mushy meals equivalent to mashed potatoes, rice or scrambled eggs.
- Keep away from spicy, salty, dry or acidic meals.
- Drink loads of fluids.
Taking ache reduction so you may eat and drink is usually higher than avoiding meals due to ache.
We’ve beforehand labored with Marie Curie on a video collection masking mouth care, they usually shared some good product ideas.
In addition to what merchandise are useful to keep away from.
Assist is obtainable
Mouth issues throughout most cancers therapy are frequent, and assist is obtainable.
Your dental group, nurse, pharmacist and specialist can all supply recommendation and therapy to assist maintain your mouth as snug and wholesome as potential.
Final reviewed: March 2026
