|
Good oral care is important during cancer treatment. Chemotherapy drugs
can cause sores in the mouth and throat and can make them dry and
irritated or cause them to bleed. Mouth sores are not only painful,
they can become infected by the many germs that normally live in your
mouth. Infections can be hard to fight during chemotherapy and can lead
to serious problems. It's important to take every possible step to
prevent them.
Ways to keep your mouth, gums,
and throat healthy:
- See your dentist before you start chemotherapy to have your
teeth cleaned and to take care of any cavities, abscesses, gum disease,
or poorly fitting dentures.
- Ask your dentist to show you the best ways to brush and
floss your teeth during chemotherapy.
- Ask about a daily fluoride rinse or gel to help prevent
decay because chemotherapy can make you more likely to get
cavities.
- Brush your teeth and gums after every meal. Use an extra
soft toothbrush and a gentle touch; brushing too hard can damage soft
mouth tissues.
- Ask your dentist to suggest a special type of toothbrush,
floss or dental ribbon, and toothpaste if your gums are very
sensitive.
- Rinse your toothbrush well after each use and store it in a
dry place.
- Avoid commercial mouthwashes because they often contain
large amounts of irritating salt or alcohol. Instead, ask your doctor
or nurse about a mild mouthwash or a mouthwash with antibiotics to help
prevent mouth infections.
If you develop sores in your mouth (stomatitis),
contact your doctor or nurse because you may need medical treatment.
If the sores are painful or keep
you from eating, try these ideas:
- Ask your doctor if there is anything you can apply directly
to the sores and if he or she can prescribe medicine to ease the
pain.
- Eat foods cold or at room temperature. Hot and warm foods
can irritate a tender mouth and throat.
- Choose soft, soothing foods, such as ice cream, milkshakes,
baby food, soft fruits (bananas and applesauce), mashed potatoes,
cooked cereals, soft-boiled or scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, macaroni
and cheese, custards, puddings, and gelatin. You also can puree cooked
foods in the blender to make them smoother and easier to eat.
- Avoid irritating, acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus
fruit, and fruit juice (orange, grapefruit, and lemon); spicy or salty
foods; and rough, coarse, or dry foods such as raw vegetables, granola,
and toast.
If your mouth is dry and bothers
you or makes it hard for you to eat, try these tips:
- Ask your doctor if you should use an artificial saliva
product to moisten your mouth.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or sugarless hard
candy.
- Chew sugarless gum.
- Moisten dry foods with butter, margarine, gravy, sauces, or
broth.
- Dunk crisp, dry foods in mild liquids.
- Eat soft and pureed foods.
- Use lip balm if your lips become dry.
Revised: 12/09/2005
|
