During chemotherapy, take the following steps to keep your mouth, gums and throat healthy unless your dentist recommends otherwise:

• Gently brush teeth at least twice a day.
  • Preferably brush after every meal.
  • Use an extra soft toothbrush.
  • If a standard toothbrush isn't comfortable, ask your dentist for his or her suggestion.
  • After each brushing, rinse your toothbrush well. Store it in a dry place.
• Use a toothpaste that displays the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association.
  • If you find objection to the taste of the toothpaste or it irritates mouth tissues, try another brand.
• Floss gently once a day.
  • Avoid any gum areas that are sore or bleeding until they heal.
  • If the floss or dental ribbon you use hurts, ask your dentist for an alternative.
• Ask your dentist whether you should use a flouride rinse or gel to help prevent decay.
  • If so, what rinse or gel would the dentist recommend?
  • Use as directed every day.
• The American Dental Association recommends that you rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of baking soda and salt. (particularly if you experince vomiting after cancer treatment). This is in place of a commercial mouthwashes. Commercial mouthwashes often contain large amounts of irritating sale or alcohol.
  • Follow the rinsing with a rinse of plain water.
  • Use the following forumla: one-quarter teaspoon of baking soda and one-eighth teaspoon of sale in one cup of warm water.
• Change your food and liquid intake
  • Eat foods cold or at room temperature.
  • Choose soft foods such as ice cream, milkshakes or baby food
  • Moisten dry foods with butter, margarine, gravy or sauce
  • Avoid irritating, acidic foods or spicy food.
  • Drink plenty of liquids
• To moisten your mouth:
• Suck on ice chips, popsicles or sugarless hard candy
• Consider artificial saliva.

If your mouth is sore, see the Survivorship A to Z document in "To Learn More".

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