Mouth Sores

Did your dad suck ice cubes just before and during his chemo treatment? This is supposed to keep the chemo away from the mouth. It worked with my husband...mind you, he cannot face the thought of ice cubes now his treatment is over..makes him nauseous. But I think it helped..also there are mouth washes to help with the sores. Do ask your doctor or nurse about anything that is bothering you during treatment. There is so much that can be done to alleviate side effects. All the best.

Alison

Good morning Deneen. My oncologist suggested an over the counter mouthwash called Biotene to use everyday. I haven't developed mouth sores, so I can't tell you if it works or not. ( Or you can try this: rinse your mouth with a solution made of 1 teaspoon baking soda mixed with 1 quart of water)

Use a soft toothbrush.

Use lip balm to keep your lips moist.

Other guidelines:

Avoid foods and juices that are highly acidic ( tomatoes, oranges or grapefruits)

Avoid salty or spicy foods that might cause a burning sensation.

Avoid rough course or dry foods such as raw veggies, granola or toast.

Avoid cigarettes and alcohol since they irritate and dry the mucus membranes

DO eat foods and drinks that are cold or at room temp. Hot or warm foods can irritate and burn your mouth and throat.

These guidelines are from my Guide to Chemotherapy handbook from the North Shore University Hospital Don Monti Division of Medical Oncology in New York.

Hope that helps.

Barb

Deenen: They may have something new now, but this is what they gave me four years ago:
OraKote-oral mucositis/stomatitis rinse/Carrington Labs 1800-358-5205

Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Rx) mouth rinse.

Bud

Deneen
Hospital recommended boiling 1 quart of water - add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Let solution cool. Solution good for two days.
This solution has helped my husband. Did not have mouth sores in beginning, but has had them his last few treatments.
I also bought Biotene. Don't use mouthwash with alchol and make sure your dad uses a soft toothbrush.
Make sure you communicate with your Dad's nurse when he gets his blood checked on his week off.
They tested my husband's blood to make sure that his white blood cells were normal.
Hope this helps!

Hi Deneen,
I was troubled with minor mouth sores in the middle of chemo, and then later with splits in the corners of my mouth. My onc prescribed a solution he called "super mouthwash", which contained an antibiotic, benedryl and some other stuff. It was a swish and spit solution. If I used it at the first sign of a mouth sore, it worked very well. The split lips turned out to be a superimposed fungal infection, and a dermatologist prescribed a steroid ointment...just took the teeniest dab to clear them up after weeks of nearly weeping each time I opened my mouth.
I heartily endorse the suggestions to drink lots before, during and after treatment. I used to drink diluted cream soda, which tasted better than water near the end of chemo. (My apologies to Emily, but all foods are converted to sugar.)
Hope this helps. Good luck to your dad. I'm happy to report that all those side effects faded pretty quickly after the chemo was done. Judy