Mouth Sores from Chemotherapy

Certain cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can cause sores in the mouth and throat, as well as dryness, irritation or bleeding. Mouth sores can make it difficult to eat, talk and swallow.

Cancer treatment oral health tips

It is important to maintain good oral care throughout cancer treatment and beyond. Mouth sores can become infected, so practice good oral hygiene and tell your care team about any symptoms.

To keep your mouth, gums and throat healthy during cancer treatment, take the following steps:

• Get dental checkups before starting chemotherapy treatment.
• Stop using alcohol and tobacco.
• Check your mouth daily for trouble spots.
• Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime.
• Floss your teeth gently every day.
• Avoid commercial mouthwashes that contain a large amount of alcohol. Your care team may recommend rinses with baking soda, saltwater, saline or other specialty mixes as an alternative.
• Eat soft, moist foods and avoid ones that irritate your mouth.
• Dry mouth can cause other dental problems and can be avoided by chewing sugar-free gum, staying hydrated and using a saliva substitute, if needed.

How long do chemotherapy-related mouth sores last?

Your mouth sores may start as mild pain or burning in your mouth. They usually appear a few days after your treatment starts and go away 10 to 14 days after your treatment ends. Often, the sores will be at their worst seven days after your chemotherapy treatment.

How can you reduce mouth sore pain?

When mouth sores do form, there are several steps you can take to reduce the pain and irritation they cause.

• Avoid foods that are acidic, crunchy or spicy.
• Eat small meals more frequently.
• Cut your food into small pieces and eat slowly.
• Drink plenty of cold fluids or eat popsicles to numb affected areas.
• Increase your calorie and protein intake to promote healing.
• Use a straw for drinking.
• Apply antiseptic gel to the mouth sores.
• Regularly rinse your mouth with warm, slightly salted water for up to 4 minutes each time.
• Ask your health care team about vitamin B supplements, which can significantly reduce the possibility of recurring mouth sores, accelerate healing and shorten the course of treatment.

What home remedies can be used to treat mouth sores?

• Aloe vera is a potent herb that helps heal oral tissue after cancer treatments and therapies. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties that help reduce the pain and swelling caused by mouth sores.
• Raw honey is another natural remedy that can soothe mouth sores after cancer treatments. It also reduces inflammation and helps your body fight infections.
• Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. It is also anti-fungal, which helps prevent thrush, another common side effect of cancer treatment.
• Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken as a supplement or applied topically as a paste or gel.
• Ginger, in addition to relieving nausea from chemotherapy, can also ease oral thrush discomfort and soothe mouth sore pain.