Cancer Therapy and Mouth Sores
Why it happens and what you can do to reduce the risk
Why does this happen?
Yourrnouth may becora sore ornitated during your
treatment because some anti-cancer drugs damage the
Cells thatline your mouth
How to reduce your risk?
Keep good oral hygiene and visit your dentist before
starting your treatment.
Keep your mouth clean by:
oO- Brush teeth regularly
Use a soft toothbrush to clean your mouth after
Use bland mouth washes and rinses containing
salt/saline or bicarb soda
You canalso try sucking on ce cubes during chemotherapy
treatment to minimise your risk of developing mouth
sores, but itis best to talk to your doctor about this as itis
‘only recommended in certain groups of people.
How you can relieve your symptoms
Keep mouth moist using water or
saliva substitutes
Use lip balm to help avoid lips from cracking and
drying
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Things to discuss with your health
care provider
'MASCC/ISOO releases evidence-based gudelnest
for the prevention and management of
‘mouth sores.
‘These guidelines recommend the use of
photobiomodulation (also called low level laser
therapy), palifermin and mouthwashes containing
‘morphine or Benzydamine, but only in certain
groups of people.
Be sure to talk to your health care provider about
what is best for you.
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If they are frustrating or affecting your ability
to goabout your day, it’s time to talk with your
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diary of your symptoms and how they impact
you. This can help when talking to your doctor
about them and make sure you receive the best
ossiblecare.
MASCC