TOPIC:

Treating Mouth Sores

Sometimes chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments can cause sores in the mouth. If you start to get sores in your mouth or throat, tell your doctor or oncology nurse right away. There are medications and special mouthwashes that can help. The sooner you start treating sores in the mouth or throat, the better. You may also experience dryness in your mouth. Again tell your oncology staff if you do. They will recommend solutions for dry mouth.

With your doctor’s permission you can try different ways to help relieve your mouth sores. You can also use some of these ideas to help prevent sores in your mouth and throat.

With your doctor’s or nurse’s approval you can try:

1.    Make a mixture of 1 quart of pure, filtered water with one teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Heat it and then let it cool. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator and make a new mixture every other day. (Ask someone who wants to be helpful to do this for you.) Every hour or so, rinse your mouth with this mixture and spit it out. Do this throughout the day and if you are awake during the night.

2.    Rinsing your mouth with salt water after meals may also be helpful.

3.    Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and all tobacco products.

4.    Sip water throughout the day.

5.    Avoid dry, salty and rough foods. Soften them with liquids. 

6.    Eat soft and soothing foods that you enjoy.

7.    Suck on popsicles or fruit pops.

8.    Eat foods that are cool or warm, not hot.

9.    Brush your teeth gently several times a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.

10.Write down what you are eating and how your mouth or throat sores are responding. In this way you might be able to identify what foods are making your mouth sores better or worse.

Go to the American Cancer Society website http://www.cancer.org/  and put “mouth sores” on the search line, or phone The National Cancer Information Center 1-800-227-2345 to get more ideas for treating mouth and throat sores. Discuss any suggestions with your oncologist or oncology nurse before trying them.