Chemotherapy Education

KEEPING THE MOUTH HEALTHY WHILE ON CHEMOTHERAPY

One of the side effects you may experience as a result of chemotherapy treatment is mouth soreness or stomatitis. There are, however, several actions you can take to maintain a healthy mouth and minimize mouth irritations.

• visit your dentist and try to have all dental work done prior to starting chemotherapy. If you develop dental problems during chemotherapy, speak with the nurse or doctor so that your dental work can be coordinated with your chemotherapy treatment. Do not have any invasive dental work done at nadir since this is the time in your treatment cycle when you are most prone to infection. Please do not have any dental work done without speaking to us first.

• inspect your mouth at least once daily for any irritations, white patches, dryness, bleeding or coating on the tongue or mouth. Make note of any change in ability to swallow and if you are having trouble eating. Notify the nurse or doctor at the first sign of these problems.

• brush your teeth after meals and at bedtime using a soft, nylon bristle brush and a gentle fluoride containing toothpaste. To soften the bristles on your toothbrush first soak it in hot water. If it hurts to use a soft toothbrush try using a sponge tipped toothbrush (toothette, or Ora-swab), which can be purchased at most drug stores. If you wear dentures, remove and brush them and soak the dentures overnight in denture cleanser. Do not wear your dentures at night and do not wear dentures that do not fit correctly.

• floss your teeth daily unless it causes pain or bleeding. Do not floss your teeth if your platelet count is low.

• rinse your mouth before and after meals and at bedtime with one of the following:

  *1/2- teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water OR

  *1- teaspoon baking soda in 2 cups of water OR

  *1/2- teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 quart of water swish the solution around in the mouth for 1-2 minutes then spit out. If your mouth becomes sore, increase the frequency of rinsing to every 2 hours while you are awake.

• DO NOT USE COMMERCIAL MOUTHWASHES ! They contain a high percentage of alcohol, which has a drying, and irritationg effect on the mouth. Also avoid lemon and glycerin swabs for the same reason.

• keep your lips moist at all times using Chapstick or other lip moisturizer. Apply liberally throughout the day.

• eat a well balanced diet and drink 2-3 quarts of fluid a day. Do not drink alcohol or use tobacco products since they can irritate the mouth. Avoid spicy and acidic foods including tomatoes and tomato sauces, citrus juices and fruits. If your mouth is sore, try eating soft foods, which are easy to chew and avoid hot foods, which can irritate a sore mouth.

• if your mouth is dry, try sucking on sugarless hard candy or chewing sugarless gum. Moisten foods with gravies and sauces. Also use a cool mist humidifier at night. There are several artificial saliva products available at most drug stores, which may be helpful.

• if you find that bleeding occurs, rinse your mouth with ice water and/or apply pressure with gauze dipped in ice water to the bleeding area. Notify the nurse or doctor if bleeding does not stop within a few minutes.

Front Range Cancer Specialists
"Fighting Cancer with Knowledge and Compassion"

Our Chemotherapy Clinic is located:
2315 East Harmony Road
Suite 110
Fort Collins, CO 80528

Phone 970 212 7600