The high dose chemotherapy can also damage the lining of your gastrointestinal system (gut). The tissue underneath gets irritated easily and this causes sores and pain in the mouth and throat. This may be more severe than with other courses of chemotherapy. This will improve as your blood counts recover.
If your mouth or throat pain makes it very hard for you to swallow your medications, you may be prescribed pain medication to make swallowing easier.
When your mouth is very sore, it may be hard to eat solid foods. Soft or mashed foods like applesauce, Jello, soups, popsicles and ice cream can be soothing.
There are some things you can do to reduce the oral discomfort and prevent infection:
- You will be asked to suck on ice chips while you receive some of the chemotherapy. This will help lessen the chances of mouth sores happening
- When you notice any pain with swallowing, or your mouth feels sore, make sure you tell the nurses or doctor.
- Each day you will be asked if you feel any pain.
- You should rinse your mouth frequently with salt-based rinses. We will provide this during your hospital stay.
- Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste or clean your dentures after every meal.
- If you floss regularly, continue to do so unless your gums start bleeding.
- If you wear dentures, remove them to do your mouth rinses, between meals and at bedtime. Wearing your dentures all the time may make your mouth sores worse.
- If you have difficulty swallowing your saliva, a hand-held suction, like at the dentist, can be provided to get rid of the mucous in your mouth.
