Mouth care is about keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth clean. This is done by brushing and flossing your teeth and rinsing regularly. If you have dentures, you should take extra care.
Good mouth care can reduce the severity of side effects including:
- Dry mouth and lips
- Sores in the mouth
- Cold sores
- Thick mucous
- Dental caries (cavities)
The mouth is a very sensitive area of the body and it is usually an area where side effects can happen. Taking good care of your mouth can help make the side effects less severe.
Starting on the first day of your chemotherapy:
- Brush your teeth with a baby soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste or clean your dentures after each meal.
- If you floss regularly, continue to do so unless your gums start bleeding.
- Brush your tongue.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed.
- Apply lip balm to dry lips regularly
- Rinse your mouth well with club soda at least four times a day. When you start to notice mouth sores or your mouth starts to feel different, start rinsing with the club soda every two hours while you are awake.
Please report any signs of mouth or throat irritation to your nurse.
