How to smooth things over
A sore mouth impairs your eating habits.
Some cancer treatments affect the fast-growing cells in your mouth and lips, causing little cuts and ulcers in your mouth and tender gums. Other dental problems and mouth infections can make your mouth sore. In most cases, your mouth and gums will get better once the treatment ends.
The important thing is: Don’t stop eating. You need nutrients to avoid malnutrition and have the energy to cope with your anticancer treatment.
Here are 6 helpful tips to manage the pain in your mouth:
1. Choose soft textures
To manage a sore mouth, you can eat food that is soft and easy to chew. Avoid food that may hurt your mouth (e.g., spicy food, citrus) and try scrambled eggs or milkshakes. Cook food until it is soft and cut it into small pieces. Moisten your foods with sauces or gravy. You could also try baby food in jars. Oral nutritional supplements can also be a solution for you.
2. Stay cool
Eat cold or room-temperature food to avoid burning your mouth. Drink with a straw to avoid the painful parts in your mouth.
3. Drop some foods
Avoid citrus, juice, spicy food, hot sauce, peppers, tomatoes, salty food, raw vegetables and alcohol. Do not use any tobacco products.
4. Soothe pain locally
Rinse your mouth 3- 4 times a day with a gentle, homemade mouthwash: dissolve ½ - 1 tsp. of salt or baking soda in 1 L of water.
5. Good oral hygiene
Use a soft toothbrush and replace it every week. Brush your teeth with mild toothpaste and do not use mouthwash containing alcohol. Also protect your lips with oils and waxes, e.g. moisten your lips with petroleum jelly, a mild lip balm, or cocoa butter.
6. Be attentive
It is also important to check your mouth every day for new sores, white patches or puffy areas. Inform your doctor of any changes. If you can’t stand the constant pain in your mouth, ask your doctor about medicine that numbs your mouth while eating.
If your pain is so strong that eating is impossible, non-oral nutrition may be necessary temporarily. These tips can also help if you are suffering from a sore throat.
