Oral hygiene and mouth care advice for patients having radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Caphosol® oral rinse

This mouth rinse will be provided at the start of your radiotherapy treatment. Use 4 times a day to cleanse and refresh your mouth.

Dry mouth (xerostomia)

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Sip drinks frequently to help moisten your mouth.
• Low calorie fizzy drinks can be refreshing, try tonic water or ginger ale.
• Suck sugar-free boiled sweets, jelly cubes or chew gum, to help stimulate saliva.
• Use extra sauces, gravy, custard or cream to moisten foods.
• Liquidised or softened foods may be easier to swallow.
• Crushed ice or ice lollies may help.
• Prescribed artificial saliva products can be helpful.
• Gently brush your tongue with a soft tooth brush to help avoid coating.

Sore mouth (stomatitis) and ulcers

• Drink plenty of fluids. Try chilled or cold drinks.
• Jelly or ice cream may be soothing.
• Suck ice lollies, small pieces of frozen fruit or crushed ice cubes/chips to relieve soreness.
• Drinking through a straw can help.
• Avoid spicy food or acidic citrus drinks.
• Try warm or tepid drinks if cold one cannot be tolerated.
• Smoking and alcohol may irritate.
• Prescribed products are available to ease the soreness.

Infection

Candida (oral thrush) typically causes creamy white patches which look like ‘cotton wool’ or cottage cheese in your mouth and on your tongue. You will be prescribed medication to clear the infection. It is important that you take the whole course. The action of chewing and swallowing can help to clear plaques. Mouth care is important.

Taste changes

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Cold or fizzy drinks may help to stimulate taste buds.
• The smell of foods you usually like can stimulate your appetite. Try to eat and drink foods that you normally would. Alternatively, trying different foods may appeal to your altered taste.
• Re-try foods in a week or so, as they may taste ‘normal’ again.
• Extra flavourings in food may help.
• Sucking sugar-free sweets may get rid of any unpleasant tastes.
• Using a microwave or non-metallic cookware and cutlery may help.

Important general advice

• Chewing pieces of fresh or tinned fruit, particularly pineapple and watermelon, may be helpful but avoid pineapple if your mouth is sore from the radiotherapy.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids; small amounts often may be easier.
• Regular mouthwashes will help. Use still water or a prescribed mouthwash solution. Some brands may be alcohol based and too harsh, so ask your healthcare professional for advice.
• Brush your teeth after every meal with a small headed soft toothbrush. We also suggest using a high fluoride toothpaste – please ask your specialist nurse for advice.
• If your dentures become loose, consult your dentist.
• Make sure that your dentures are cleaned and rinsed well every day. Soaking overnight in 50% Milton® Sterilising Fluid is essential to prevent infection.

Further information

Mouth Cancer Foundation

Website: www.mouthcancerfoundation.org