Mouth Care for Patients Receiving ... - Cancer Learning

Why do I need to do special mouth
cares during Chemotherapy and
Radiation therapy treatment?
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy to the head and
neck area can cause changes to the lining of your mouth
and throat as well as your teeth.
Radiation therapy also causes changes in the saliva
and can reduce the amount of saliva you have. Because
saliva protects the teeth, tooth decay can be a problem
after treatment.
During and following chemotherapy and radiation therapy
treatment your mouth needs extra care and attention.
During treatment it is important to check your mouth
daily.
Inform the nurse and doctor of any changes such as:
• Swelling
• Pain
• Cracked skin
• Ulcers or
• Redness
Good mouth care
and hygiene can
help keep the teeth
and gums
healthy.
Seeing your dentist
It is advised that you see a dentist before chemotherapy
or radiation therapy begins and continue to see your
dentist regularly following treatment.
The dentist, nurse, doctor, pharmacist and speech
pathologist can advise you on mouth care and mouth
washes to use.
Cleaning your mouth/ teeth
Clean your gums and or teeth with a soft children’s tooth
brush to avoid damaging the gums. If you have dentures,
remove them and clean them after eating and before
going to sleep. Clean them with fragrance-free, warm,
soapy water.
Thrush is also common at this time. If you have been
diagnosed with thrush, soak your dentures in sodium
hypochlorite. If your mouth becomes too sore you may
not be able to wear your dentures. Use the toothpaste
your dentist may have recommended.
Why use mouth washes?
It is very important to keep your mouth clean during
chemotherapy and radiation therapy to reduce the effects
of dryness, mouth sores and infections. Mouth washes
can help do this.
Saliva keeps the mouth clean and helps to prevent
infection. It also protects your teeth. Chemotherapy and
radiation therapy to the head and neck can cause the
salivary glands in your mouth to produce less saliva. A
lack of saliva can increase the risk of developing tooth
decay, fungal infections or gum disease. The salivary
glands may not recover fully after treatment and a dry
mouth may be permanent.
Regular dental check-ups are essential, as the risk of
developing tooth decay is far greater due to the lack of
saliva.
How do I do mouth washes?
Rinse your mouth well with the mouth wash. Swish and
gargle the mouthwash and spit it out. Use your
mouthwash before and after each meal and before sleep
at night.
What mouthwash should I use?
There are homemade, commercially available and
prescription mouthwashes. Ask your dentist, doctor,
nurse, speech pathologist or pharmacist before buying a
mouth wash. Mouth washes that do not contain
alcohol are recommended. Alcohol can dry and irritate
the lining of your mouth.