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Sore mouth

Soreness and ulceration of the lining of the mouth or throat is known as mucositis and can be very painful.

It can be caused by chemotherapy|, biological therapies|, and radiotherapy to the head and neck|. Damage to the cells lining the mouth or throat is usually temporary and most side effects will go when treatment ends.

Here are some helpful tips to keep your mouth healthy during treatment:

Drink plenty of fluids. If you find that fresh fruit juices sting your mouth, try less acidic juices instead, such as apple juice, peach or pear nectar, and blackcurrant or rosehip syrup. Some pre-prepared drinks that taste like fruit juice may also be helpful. These are available from health food shops and some supermarkets.
Cold foods and drinks can be soothing to a sore mouth. Try adding crushed ice to drinks and eating ice cream or soft milk jellies. Some people find that sucking on ice can be soothing.
Very hot or cold drinks may irritate your sore mouth so try having drinks that are lukewarm or at room temperature.
Try drinking through a straw.
Avoid salty or spicy food that may sting.
Avoid rough-textured food like toast or raw vegetables as they can scrape at sore areas.
Keep your food moist with sauces and gravies.
Tell your doctor if you have a sore mouth. They can prescribe soothing or antiseptic lotions or sprays for you. You may also need painkillers before mealtimes to help you with swallowing.
Mouthwashes can be very soothing, but many available in chemists or shops may be too strong for you. Evidence shows that salt-water mouthwashes are just as effective at reducing soreness, or your doctor can prescribe an anaesthetic gel or mouthwash instead. Many hospitals have their own mouthcare guidelines for chemotherapy patients and your doctor or specialist nurse will be able to advise you.
See your dentist for support during treatment. They may recommend a high-fluoride or non-foaming toothpaste to help reduce soreness.
Use a children’s soft toothbrush to clean your teeth gently. Avoid toothpicks when cleaning your teeth.
If you wear dentures, soak them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight and leave them out for as long as you can during the day to prevent them rubbing your gums. If you’re having radiotherapy to the jaw area, you may be advised to keep your dentures in as much as possible during the day to help maintain the shape of your gums. However, if your mouth is very sore, it may be more comfortable to leave your dentures out.

Our slideshow has more tips for you

You can watch tips and advice about coping with a sore mouth.

Content last reviewed: 1 April 2012

Next planned review: 2014

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