General Mouth Care for Oncology Patients
General Mouth Care for
Oncology Patients
Canterbury Regional Cancer &
Blood Service
Patient Information
Having a healthy mouth is important for anyone receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation
therapy.
This leaflet outlines the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy that can affect your mouth
and provides information on how to minimise any discomfort you may experience.
The side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy which may affect your mouth include:
taste changes
tender/sore or bleeding gums
dry mouth
¡°thrush¡± or candida infection
mucositis ¨C redness, swelling and ulceration of the mouth membranes.
These side effects can affect your ability to eat and/or drink during treatment.
What can you do
Following a simple routine will help keep your mouth healthy.
Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft toothbrush, using fluoride toothpaste. Rinse your mouth
before brushing so that the toothpaste has prolonged contact with your teeth.
Rinse your mouth with water after food. A good swish and spit ensures food debris is removed. If
commercial mouth washes are used, they should be alcohol free. If you experience a sore mouth or
ulcers, please speak to a member of your treatment team for advice.
Clean between your teeth daily ¨C using dental floss or tape or other interdental tool. This must be
done gently to avoid gum irritation.
Removal of dentures will help minimise the risk of ulcers or bleeding gums under the dentures.
If you have dentures, remove them:
before sleep
when using a mouthwash
when your denture is causing pain.
Soak dentures overnight in a denture cleaning product.
Other measures you can take
Keep well hydrated
Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine
Use lip balm
Maintain a balanced diet with high protein foods.
Ref 1279
Page 1 of 2
Authorised by: Nursing Director, Canterbury Regional Blood and Cancer
February 2012
General Mouth Care for Oncology Patients ¨C Patient Information
Useful Mouthwash Recipes
You can use either of the following recipes when you have a sore mouth or ulcers.
1.
Saline Mouthwash
Dissolve ? teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of lukewarm water. Rinse mouth well and spit out. Use a full cup
of mouthwash at least four times a day, including on waking and before going to bed.
2.
Bicarbonate Mouthwash
Dissolve ? -? teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda, available from supermarket), in 1 cup of
luke warm water. Rinse mouth well and spit out. Use full cup of mouthwash at least four times a day,
including on waking and before going to bed.
If you get a sore mouth or have difficulty swallowing here are some tips:
Inform your treatment team
Eat soft, smooth or blended foods e.g. soups, yoghurt, poached eggs, milk puddings, finely
chopped stewed meat in sauce or gravy
Avoid food or drinks which cause you discomfort e.g. hot or cold, spiced, acidic or rough crunchy
foods
Simple relievers may be helpful. Ask your treatment team about what pain relief will help
If the pain is severe stronger pain relief may be required. You should discuss this with your
doctor/nurse/radiation therapist.
If you get a dry mouth
Use one of the mouthwash recipes 2 hourly or as often as needed
Take regular sips of sugar-free fluids or suck on ice blocks/chips
Chewing sugar-free gum may help
Keep your lips moist with a lip balm or moisturiser
If your urine becomes darker you should tell a member of your treatment team.
Tell your doctor/nurse/radiation therapist if you have:
A dry mouth
Ulcers
Sore or bleeding gums
White/yellow patches in your mouth
Toothache
Pain in your mouth or throat
Problems eating or drinking
Ill-fitting dentures
Other unrelieved symptoms or concerns.
If you would like further advice or help
Telephone 03 364 0020 and ask to speak to your nurse/radiation therapist/doctor.
Ref 1279
Page 2 of 2
Authorised by: Nursing Director, Canterbury Regional Blood and Cancer
February 2012
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