How to Manage Mouth Sores Chemo
1. Oral Hygiene: Maintain meticulous oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily ideally after meals with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste (if not contraindicated). Be gentle and avoid brushing too vigorously. Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue. Rinse your mouth regularly with warm salt water.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your mouth moist and reduce dryness. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can promote bacterial growth and discomfort.
3. Avoid Irritating Foods: Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods that can worsen mouth sores. Stick to soft, bland, and easy-to-swallow foods like yogurt, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and soups.
4. Cold and Room Temperature Foods: Choose cold or room temperature foods rather than hot foods, as high temperatures can irritate mouth sores.
5. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Alcohol and tobacco products can irritate mouth sores and slow healing.
6. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: If pain is present, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Follow the recommended dosage on the medication label.
7. Prescription Pain Relievers: If over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications such as opioids or topical anesthetics.
8. Antifungal Medications: If you have a fungal infection, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications such as nystatin (Mycostatin) or clotrimazole (Mycelex) to treat it.
9. Magic Mouthwash: This is a prescription mouthwash that often contains a combination of ingredients such as Benadryl, Maalox, and lidocaine. It can provide relief from discomfort caused by mouth sores. Ask your healthcare provider if this could be an option for you.
10. Avoid Smoking: Smoking can irritate the mouth and delay healing.
11. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can also aggravate mouth sores.
12. Humidifier: Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist, which can reduce mouth dryness.
13. Avoid Stress: Stress can weaken your immune system, which can make mouth sores worse. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as gentle exercise, relaxation techniques, or talking to a trusted friend or family member.
14. Nutritional Support: Eat a well-balanced diet to provide your body with essential nutrients that support healing and immune function. If eating is challenging due to mouth sores, talk to your healthcare provider or dietitian about nutritional supplements or alternative ways to get the nutrients you need.
15. Regular Follow-ups: Keep your doctor appointments to monitor the progress of your mouth sores. They can recommend any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Remember, mouth sores are a common side effect of chemotherapy, but they can be managed. If you are experiencing significant discomfort or difficulty eating, talk to your healthcare team. They can provide you with personalized guidance and support to help manage this condition effectively.