While there may be many benefits from your standard cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, these approaches to care may have side effects. One of the more uncomfortable side effects is that of cancer-related mouth sores. As you undergo a course of treatment, you may begin to notice red or white lesions developing along the lining of your mouth. Most of the time, they are quite painful and can make it increasingly difficult to eat, drink and even rest.
Oral Hygiene
Of all the things you can do to treat cancer sores, oral hygiene is one of the most effective. Though this does not guarantee that you won't develop cancer-related sores, it can go a long way toward preventing their formation as well as speeding the time of recovery. Make sure to have a dental checkup before treatment. This will ensure that nothing is wrong with your teeth, gums or mouth. If you are suffering from diseases or infections, they'll often get worse over the course of treatment.
After you have begun treatment, it's important to take care of your teeth and gums, so brush your teeth after each meal. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and regular toothpaste that contains fluoride. Avoid toothpaste that contains whitening or abrasive substances, as they can further irritate sores. Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after each use. Hot water works the best, but as long as you are not cleaning it with an antiseptic, any temperature should be fine.
Follow the brushing with a little floss between your teeth, but make sure the floss is waxed and that you aren't too rough. Chemotherapy can make your gums tender, and the additional pressure and friction from the floss may cause them to bleed, so pay special attention to this part of your hygiene routine.
If there are sores currently in your mouth, consider making a "soothing solution" that you can swish between your cheeks and take the sting out of these little lesions. All you need is 1 tsp. of baking soda and 2 cups of cool water.
Diet
Another important facet to the care of cancer-related sores is your diet. Not only is the cancer taking a toll on your system, but the treatment is impacting on your immune system as well. Help boost your immune response by incorporating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains into your diet. This can often help your body heal the sores much faster.
This healthier, more well-balanced diet should be coupled with an increase in fluid intake, so drink anywhere between 64 and 96 oz. of water each day. This will ensure that you're properly hydrated, and can go a long way in preventing the sores.
Medications
Beside good oral hygiene and a proper diet, it may also be necessary to use medication to lessen the pain of these sores. Things like topical painkillers and coating agents can reduce pain and protect the sores from further irritation and damage. Talk to your doctor about a prescription for one or more of these medications. Better yet, ask your doctor about palifermin, a prescription drug that can encourage new cell growth, speeding up the recovery time of the sores. Not everyone is eligible for this form of treatment, but you should still ask.
Tags: your teeth, after each, between your, cancer-related sores, course treatment
