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Mouth Care
A continuous, moist
lining (mucosa) covers the inside of your mouth, esophagus, and your
intestines. The mucosa helps to prevent organisms from entering your body
and causing an infection. Radiation or chemotherapy can damage the cells
that make up this lining and cause inflammation or mucositis, When
irritation occurs in your mouth, it is called stomatitis.
We hope that this
information will help you prevent or manage stomatitis. Please feel free
to contact our office if you have any problems, questions, or concerns.
GOOD ORAL
HYGIENE
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Visit your dentist
before beginning treatment if possible. This also applies to anyone
with dentures.
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Brush after eating
and at bedtime. Use toothpaste that is mild and non-irritating, and a
soft bristled brush. Do not use water picks or toothpicks. Floss
daily.
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Remove dentures and
clean daily.
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Rinse your mouth
with a mild salt-water solution (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz of water) 4
times a day or after eating. You may also use ½ strength hydrogen
peroxide. We do not recommend commercial mouthwashes. They often
contain alcohol, which may irritate your mouth.
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Moisten lips with
water-based products such as Surgilube or KY gel.
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If your mouth is
dry, ask your pharmacist about saliva substitutes such as Mouthkote,
Moi-stir or Salivart, Salix, or Biotene products. You may also use ice
chips, and sugar-free gum or candy to help with dryness.
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Examine your mouth
daily. Look for redness, ulcers, or sores.
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Oral Care for
Sore Mouth
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Report soreness or
bleeding to our office. |
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Clean your teeth
and gums regularly. Use a very soft bristled brush. Pre-soften the
brush in warm water before using. Do not floss if it causes bleeding
or pain. |
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Remove
dentures except at mealtimes. |
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Rinse with the
salt-water solution described previously every 2 hours during the day. |
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Keep
lips and mouth moist, particularly at night. |
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Avoid foods and
fluids that cause discomfort, such as alcohol, citrus juices,
carbonated beverages, and spicy, hot, or rough foods. Foods that are
soft, pureed, ground, room temperature, or chilled, may be more
comfortable.
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Contact our office if you have:
Difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing, bleeding, pain, or ulcers in
your mouth or on your lips!
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