You are here: Home Managing Your ... Chemotherapy Side ... Mouth Sores Summary
Information For Living With: Choose condition »
Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Summary

Next »

1/4

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE OTHER SECTIONS OF THIS DOCUMENT

Chemotherapy and radiation in some areas of the body can cause sores in the mouth and throat. These areas can become dry and irritated or they may bleed. Mouth sores should be treated aggressively because:

  • Mouth sores can be painful.
  • Mouth sores can become infected by the many germs that normally live in your mouth. Infections can be hard to fight during treatment and can lead to serious problems. It's important to take every possible step to prevent them.
  • Mouth sores can cause difficulty in eating which, in turn, can affect important nutrition. Good nutrition is especially important during chemotherapy.

Before You Start Treatment:

  • Have your teeth cleaned and to take care of any cavities, abscesses, gum disease, or poorly fitting dentures before you start chemo.
  • Ask your dentist:
    • To show you the best ways to brush and floss your teeth during chemotherapy.
    • To suggest a special type of toothbrush, floss or dental ribbon, and toothpaste if your gums are very sensitive.
    • About a daily fluoride rinse or gel to help prevent decay because chemotherapy can make you more likely to get cavities. DO NOT use the rinse or gel without until speaking about it with your doctor.

While you are in treatment, it is especially important to keep your mouth clean. The next section shows you how to practice good oral care.

If mouth sores should occur, there are ideas to try. Click here.

If pain is not relieved with topical products, there is no need to "suffer through it."  Speak with your doctor about stronger medications. For instance, while the thought may not be pleasant, an altermative is treatment with narcotics in hospital. Studies show that patients who use narcotics to treat very real pain do not generally become addicted.

NOTE:

  • If you have difficulty swallowing, click here
  • If you have dry mouth, click here.

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments

 

Post a Comment Have something to add to this topic? Contact Us.

Characters remaining:

  • Allowed markup: <a> <i> <b> <em> <u> <s> <strong> <code> <pre> <p>
    All other tags will be stripped.