Looking after your mouth is especially important if you are having cancer treatment.

Treatment can make your mouth sore, dry, or more likely to get infections.

Keeping your mouth clean and moist can help:

• During cancer treatment.
• If you are not eating or drinking normally.
• If your immune system is weakened.

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Caring for your mouth during cancer treatment

To help protect your mouth:

• Clean your teeth and mouth gently in the morning and at night, and after meals if you can.
• Use a soft toothbrush or a child’s toothbrush.
• If toothpaste stings or makes you feel sick, use an alcohol-free mouthwash instead. An SLS-free toothpaste may also help.
• Clean between your teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss, but be gentle.
• If you wear dentures, clean them in the morning, at night, and after meals.
• To prevent dry or cracked lips, use a gentle lip balm 4–6 times a day, or as needed. Choose a water-based, lanolin or wax-based product.
• If you are having radiotherapy, avoid petroleum-based lip balms unless your care team advises otherwise.
• If you are not eating or drinking much, moisten your mouth every two hours using mouthwash or a mouth-care foam.

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If you start having mouth problems

Tell your nurse or specialist if your mouth becomes sore or if you notice ulcers, white patches, or signs of infection.

They may:

• Prescribe medication to ease pain.
• Give you alcohol-free mouthwashes to use regularly.
• Prescribe antifungal treatments if needed.
• Provide a numbing mouthwash if your mouth is very sore.
• Offer pain relief. In severe cases, stronger pain control may be needed.

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Should I still see my dentist?

Yes. Dental care is still important during cancer treatment.

• Your dentist can check your teeth and gums for problems.
• If you are having radiotherapy to the mouth or head, you may be advised to see your dentist before treatment starts.
• Treating dental problems early can help prevent complications later.

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Managing dry mouth

Some cancer treatments and medications reduce saliva production. Dry mouth can make eating, speaking and sleeping difficult.

Things that may help:

• Choose soft, moist foods.
• Use sauces or gravy to make food easier to swallow.
• Take small sips of water with meals.
• Drink fluids regularly throughout the day.
• Milk, water and diluted juices are good options.
• Dilute citrus juices so they are less acidic.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck ice chips.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about saliva-replacement products.

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Changes to taste or smell

Cancer treatment can affect how food tastes or smells.

• Some chemotherapy drugs can temporarily alter taste.
• Radiotherapy to the mouth may cause longer-term changes.

Tips to cope:

• Avoid foods that taste unpleasant, but try them again later.
• Use herbs, mild spices or marinades to add flavour.
• Be careful with spicy foods if your mouth is sore.
• Sauces can help improve flavour.
• You may prefer stronger flavours, such as mature cheese or smoked foods.
• Some people choose to avoid their favourite foods during treatment to avoid disliking them later.

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If your mouth becomes sore or infected

To reduce discomfort:

• Brush gently with a soft or baby toothbrush.
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash.
• If brushing is painful, use a mouth-care foam stick or gauze dipped in mouthwash.
• Rinse often if sores form.
• Ask about gel mouthwashes that coat the mouth and reduce pain.
• Eat soft foods such as mashed potatoes, rice or scrambled eggs.
• Avoid spicy, salty, dry or acidic foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids.

Taking pain relief so you can eat and drink is often better than avoiding food because of pain.

We have previously worked with Marie Curie on a video series covering mouth care, and they shared some good product tips.

As well as what products are helpful to avoid.

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Support is available

Mouth problems during cancer treatment are common, and help is available.

Your dental team, nurse, pharmacist and specialist can all offer advice and treatment to help keep your mouth as comfortable and healthy as possible.