Information and Support for MPD's

How do you treat mouth sores?

What happens if mouth sores become severe?

Despite efforts to prevent mouth sores, you may still develop them. Treating mouth sores primarily involves minimizing your pain until the cells of your mouth heal and begin regenerating after your cancer treatment ends.

Tell your doctor if you develop any sensitivity in your mouth or notice any sores forming. Your doctor may recommend treatments, such as:

• Coating agents. These medications coat the entire lining of your mouth, forming a film to protect the sores and minimize the pain you might feel while eating or drinking.
• Topical painkillers. These medications can be applied directly to your mouth sores. Your mouth may feel numb when using painkillers, so be careful when eating or brushing your teeth because you won't be able to feel if you're causing more injury to your mouth.

In addition to medications, you can take simple steps to reduce the pain you feel from mouth sores. You might:

• Avoid painful foods. Stay away from acidic foods and spicy foods that could further irritate your mouth. Avoid sharp and crunchy foods, such as chips, crackers and pretzels, and instead opt for softer foods cut in small pieces. Caffeine and alcohol also can irritate an already sore mouth. Eat foods at room temperature or slightly warm, since hot or cold foods might be painful to eat.
• Eat small meals more frequently. Cut your food into small pieces and eat slowly.
• Use a straw. A straw for drinking keeps liquids away from sore areas in your mouth.
• Continue cleaning your mouth. If it's too painful to use a toothbrush, ask your health care team or your dentist about special foam swabs, which are easier on your gums. Rinse out your mouth several times a day. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Mix a weak saltwater solution to swish around in your mouth or try a combination of baking soda and warm water.

If your mouth sores progress, they can become severe and cause other complications. Sometimes these complications become so severe that you have to stop your cancer treatment temporarily. Complications can include:

• Infection. Mouth sores offer a convenient way for germs and viruses to get into your body. Since cancer treatment can weaken your immune system, serious infection can result. Continue cleaning your teeth and mouth during and after treatment to reduce your risk of infection.
• Bleeding. Chemotherapy reduces your blood's ability to clot. Bleeding from your mouth can range from mild, with some spotting when you brush your teeth, to severe, with bleeding that's difficult to stop. Your doctor can monitor your blood counts and give you medications to help your blood clot. When your mouth sores bleed, it's important to continue cleaning your mouth as best you can — even if that means just rinsing with water.
• Difficulty eating and swallowing. Painful mouth sores can make eating and drinking difficult. If eating small meals of soft foods isn't helping and you're quickly losing weight, your doctor may recommend a feeding tube to get you the nutrients you need to fuel your body.

Researchers are working to develop new ways to prevent mouth sores, to relieve pain and to prevent further complications. Until then, work with your health care team and your dentist to make sure your mouth is in good shape as you prepare for treatment. Though mouth sores can be distressing, they are temporary and the pain can be minimized.