Have you noticed changes in your mouth during cancer treatment? You’re not alone. Many patients have oral side effects that can affect daily comfort and nutrition. Learning how to manage these symptoms can help improve your quality of life during treatment.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can affect the fast-growing cells in your mouth, causing uncomfortable oral problems. The most common are mouth sores, or oral mucositis, which show up as painful ulcers or swelling in the mouth and throat. These sores often appear within a week or two after treatment begins and can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult. Severity varies from person to person, but catching symptoms early makes them easier to manage
You might also experience other mouth problems, such as dry mouth, changes in taste, an increased risk of infection, and bleeding gums. Dry mouth occurs when treatment affects your salivary glands, reducing saliva production. This makes swallowing harder and increases your risk of cavities. Some people notice a metallic taste or that their favorite foods taste different, which can make it harder to eat well when you need to keep up your strength.
Gentle, consistent mouth care makes a real difference. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Rinse your mouth often with a mild saltwater solution. This can be made from a quarter teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol, as they can irritate sensitive areas. Drink water regularly and try sucking on ice chips to help with soreness. If you wear dentures and get mouth sores, you might need to take them out except when eating to avoid more irritation.
Your food choices can ease these side effects. Choose soft, moist foods that are easy to chew and swallow, like smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, and mashed vegetables. Stay away from spicy, acidic, rough, or very hot foods, as they can make mouth sores worse. Cold foods like popsicles or ice cream can soothe soreness and help you get enough calories. If eating is painful, ask your healthcare team about pain medicine you can apply directly to mouth sores before meals.
It’s important to talk with your medical team about any mouth problems. Call right away if you notice especially severe pain, trouble swallowing, signs of infection like fever, or bleeding that won’t stop. Your oncology team can provide special mouth rinses, recommend pain relievers, or adjust your treatment if needed. Regular dental checkups before, during, and after treatment can help catch problems early. Always tell your dentist about your cancer treatment before any dental work.
At Astera Cancer Care, we understand how disruptive mouth problems can be. Our team addresses both your cancer treatment and the side effects that impact your comfort and nutrition. If you have concerns about your mouth related to your treatment, call us to schedule a consultation and learn about options that fit your needs.