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Sore mouth

You might find it helpful to watch our slideshow about coping with a sore mouth| during chemotherapy treatment.

Drink plenty of nourishing fluids. If you find that fresh fruit juices sting your mouth, try less acidic juices instead, such as blackcurrant or rosehip syrup, apple juice or peach or pear nectar. Some pre-prepared, juice-tasting drinks 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.
Avoid salty or spicy food which may sting your mouth.
Avoid rough textured food like toast or raw vegetables as they can scrape at sore skin.
Keep your food moist with sauces and gravies.
Try drinking through a straw.
Pineapple chunks or melon slices can clean the mouth and are refreshing.
Tell your doctor if you have a sore mouth. They can prescribe soothing or antiseptic lotions or sprays for you.
Many hospitals have their own mouth-care guidelines for patients on chemotherapy. your doctor or specialist nurse will be able to advise you about your mouth care. Mouthwashes can be very soothing, but many that you can buy in chemists or shops may be too strong for you. Your doctor can prescribe an anaesthetic gel or mouthwash.
Use a child’s soft toothbrush to clean your teeth gently.
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 chafing your gums.

If you are having radiotherapy to the jaw area| you may be advised to keep your dentures in as much as possible during the day. This can help to maintain the shape of your gums.

Content last reviewed: 1 December 2009

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.