Cancer treatment can cause redness, sores or infection in your mouth. This problem is called oral
mucositis. It can be painful and make it hard to eat.
Check your mouth each day for redness, swelling, sores or white patches. Tell your doctor or
nurse if you have any of these problems.
What works for oral mucositis?
• Do routine mouthcare each day. This is the best way to prevent and treat oral mucositis.
Studies have shown that making this part of your daily routine works. Start before you
have any problems.
® Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after each meal and before bed.
® If you floss your teeth, continue to do so, unless you have been told not to by your
doctor or nurse.
® Rinse your mouth at least 4 times a day. Do this after meals and before bed with the mix
shown below. Do this more often if your mouth is sore, you have thick mucus, or you
have been told to do so.
• Use a moisturizer on your lips that does not contain glycerin or petroleum jelly.
These will make your lips drier.
• Don’t use mouthwash that contains alcohol because it can cause more pain and irritation.
• If you wear dentures or other oral devices:
® Keep them out as much as you can
® Brush and rinse them after meals and before bed
® Soak them in cleansing solution for at least 8 hours
Mouth rinse mixture
1. Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon of salt in 4 cups of water and shake.
2. Swish around in your mouth, gargle and then spit out.
3. Put in a covered container and keep at room temperature.
4. Throw it away and make a new batch each day.
What can I do
about Oral Mucositis?
Things that might help
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
• Don’t eat spicy, acidic (such as grapefruit), very hot or rough foods
(such as chips or nuts). These can cause more irritation. Eat soft foods.
• If you are using pain medicine, take it before you eat.
• If you are using oral gels for short term pain relief, be aware they can make it hard for you
to swallow. Be careful you don’t choke.
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids to keep your mouth moist.
Other information
• Ask your cancer doctor if you should see your dentist before you start treatment.
• Many home remedies, herbal supplements and mouth rinses have been studied to see if
they can prevent or treat oral mucositis. None have been shown to work. Don’t use any
other remedies unless you talk to your doctor or nurse first.
• If you are having trouble eating tell your doctor or nurse. Ask if seeing a dietician or if
taking a diet supplement might help.
• With some types of chemotherapy, sucking on ice before and during treatment, called
cryotherapy, helps prevent mucositis. Ask your doctor or nurse if this works for the type of
chemotherapy you are getting.
Notes
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Note. This handout is a free educational resource for nurses and other care providers in need of concise,
easy-to-understand information about the symptom described. It is a brief summary and may not be appropriate
for all circumstances and individuals. Nurses using this handout should use clinical judgment and consult with
other professionals as needed regarding specific safe and appropriate practices.
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