Mouth care during chemotherapy and radiation treatments

 
Mouth care during chemotherapy
and radiation treatments

Oral complications are common in patients receiving chemotherapy or undergoing
radiation therapy to the head or neck area.

These complications may be of short duration (generally with chemotherapy) and
improve when the treatment is completed. Some may be long term (generally with
radiation therapy).

Not all patients will experience all or any of these complications or side effects.

Side effects may include:
• Dry
mouth
•
Soreness and ulceration
•
Changes in taste
• Bleeding
gums
• Infection
•
Inflammation of lining of mouth or throat (mucositis).

Long term complications may include:
•
Dryness of mouth caused by lack of saliva production (xerostomia)
•
Tooth decay and gum disease (if proper dental care is not achieved)
•
Functional disabilities or impairment
•
Abnormal dental development in children.

Patients should discuss any symptoms or side effects they experience with their
treating physician, treatment centre or their dentist.

Pre-treatment prevention:
Oral complications may be reduced by preventative measures being taken before any
treatment begins. This includes:

•
Having a complete oral health check by a dentist familiar with oral side effects
of cancer treatments
•
Eating a well balanced diet – seek the advice of your dentist and/or dietitian to

see if there are foods that should be avoided
•
Learning how to care for your mouth during and after treatment
•
Begin using fluoride gel several days before treatment begins.

Patients undergoing high dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and/or radiation
therapy need an oral care plan in place before treatment begins.


 
 

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Mouth care during treatment:

•
Gently brush teeth, gums, tongue or dentures after every meal and before bed
•
Use an extra soft toothbrush, softened in hot water if necessary
•
Use a mild tasting fluoride toothpaste
•
Rinse the mouth after brushing, eating or drinking, using one of the following:


1 teaspoon salt in 4 cups water


1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup water


½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda in 4 cups water


(Rinse with plain water after any of the above)

Prevent lips drying and cracking by using lip balm
•
Check mouth, lips and tongue daily
•
Keep mouth fresh and moist
•
Don’t wear dentures during treatment
•
Remove plates or dentures at night and soak in a solution of ½ vinegar, ½ water or
denture cleaner. Rinse thoroughly before wearing.
•
Avoid rinses containing alcohol if they cause irritation
•
Avoid neat spirits, tobacco, acidic drinks, hot spices, vinegar, very salty foods
•
Eat moist foods by using sauces and gravies
•
You may be asked to undertake some jaw exercises
•
Drink sufficient fluid
•
Keep appointments with your dentist.

Inform your doctor if you develop:
•
Ulcers in your mouth
•
Difficulty eating and drinking
•
Bleeding in your mouth

You can also get further information and support by calling the Cancer Council Helpline
on
13 11 20.


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