Drink plenty of water. see a dentist before you start cancer treatment. Check with your health care provider before taking your child to the dentist. Checking your child’s blood counts before any dental work is important. Check with your doctor or dentist before using any mouth rinses or mouthwash froma store. Use 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 pint of cold or warm water. Rinse with 5 ml of MuGard® every 6 hours. School and Illness: Should Your Child Stay Home? These side effects occur because the medicines affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. To keep the mouth moist, your child may use saline, sterile water or tap water as often as he would like to rinse and spit. Floss carefully and use an alcohol-free mouthwash for that added protection against bacteria. Do not eat or drink Talk to your dentist The tips below can help you feel better. Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria; so … During treatment with chemotherapy or head and neck radiation . Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Avoid food with sharp edges, like tortilla chips, that could possibly scratch or cut the gums or inner lining of the mouth. To help you better understand how cancer can affect your dental health, the American Dental Association has two other pages devoted to this topic. Our Global Patient Services team is here to help international and out-of-area families every step of the way. Do not give your child foods and liquids that are high in sugar or acids. If you need to have dental work done during your chemotherapy treatment, it’s important to discuss this with your cancer specialist. Mouth sores can become infected, so practice good oral hygiene and tell your care team about any symptoms. A coated tongue is a common side-effect from radiotherapy treatment and should improve after your treatment finishes. Can You Trust Health Information on the Web? Some may irritate the mouth while the child is on chemotherapy. Rinse mouth with water frequently (every 2 hrs while awake & when awake during the night). Open sores in  the mouth may also be a source of infection. Your oncologist may prescribe a special mouthwash that will help prevent mouth sores that could lead to infection. Keep Your Mouth Clean During Chemotherapy Between the open sores in the mouth, the lack of infection-fighting saliva in the area, and the damage chemotherapy can do to the immune system, patients can be very susceptible to infections in the mouth during chemo treatments. Examples of high-sugar or acidic drinks include sports drinks, regular and diet soda, fruit juices, sweetened teas and Kool-Aid. Chemotherapy may cause the mouth to develop sores for a period of time. Buy an extra soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste. The experts at Chemo Mouthpiece™ discuss proper oral hygiene for cancer patients. They are often painful and may make it hard for your child to eat and drink. Abstract. These tips may help you feel better. What is the best way to take care of your mouth during chemotherapy? Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy can lead to osteonecrosis ... Dec 19th, 2013. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Help your child to brush his or her teeth at least 2 to 4 times a day, especially after breakfast and before bed. Oral side effects are commonplace with cancer chemotherapy and adjunctive therapies. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our nationally ranked specialists or Primary Care physicians please click or call 800-881-7385. How to Care for Your Mouth During Active Chemotherapy ACTIVE TREATMENT What is Active Chemotherapy? Then, find out how to care for your mouth after treatment has been completed. Have your child suck on ice chips, popsicles and “slushies.”. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. look in your mouth every day. HH-II-45 Mouth Care for Patients Receiving Chemotherapy (PDF), Revised 9/16 Copyright 2002 Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Studies have shown that mouth sores and infections are not as severe if you carefully follow a mouth care program. These mouth sores are called “mucositis” (mew koe SIE tis) or “stomatitis” (stow mah TIE tis). Advanced technologies. Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are times when dental work should not be done unless it is absolutely necessary. My Mouth Healthy? Oral Health Care During Chemotherapy. You may also want to cut out spicy or acidic foods and drinks … Mouth Care During Chemotherapy. Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Clinical Epidemiology Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be a troubling side effect and can be caused by a number of factors that persons being treated for cancer can be exposed to such as: Medications: Chemotherapy, pain medications, anti-depressants, diuretics (water pills). By Dr Andre Clarke. Apr 1st, 2013. Rinse your mouth several times a day. Mouth Care During Chemotherapy . Remedies that help. Avoid trying to scrub the debris on your tongue away and making your mouth sore. Learn more about the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), how you can protect your family, and how Nationwide Children's Hospital is preparing. Be sure to look at your child’s whole mouth. A sodium bicarbonate rinse may be helpful when the saliva is very thick. The elder should get all cavities, fillings, crowns, gum disease and broken teeth fixed before the procedure. As of Tuesday, May 29, 2012 Sign in to favorite this; Discuss Comment, Blog about; Share this Email, Facebook, Twitter; Dr Andre Clarke. Discolored (red, yellow or white) areas in your child’s mouth. It will open today at 3:00PM.*. Refer to the Helping Hands HH-IV-4, Dental: Teeth and Gum Care, or HH-IV-29, Dental: Teeth and Gum Care for Infants and Toddlers. A small amount of salt in a cup of water can be helpful as a mouthwash. Use products that coat and protect your mouth and throat. A dry mouth makes it easier to get an infection or cavity. Mouth Care During Chemotherapy. Use anti fungal or other mouthwashes your doctor has prescribed even if you don't like them. How does chemotherapy affect the mouth? Rinses that contain alcohol or heavy flavorings may sting and burn. These tips may help you feel better. There are several ways to keep your mouth healthy and to prevent mouth problems during and after cancer treatment. Check your mouth, tongue and teeth daily during treatment. Swish and spit. Sore Lips - Use products on the lips that contain lanolin. Other terms for dry mouth: xerostomia. Expertise. Flossing - If your child has not been taught how to floss, he should not begin flossing at this time. A salt water mouth rinse can help to stop bacteria growing. *, The location is currently closed. During treatment it is important to adhere strictly to your mouth care plan. Your child has a fever of 100.5º F or higher. Most mouth problems gradually improve and go away after treatment is over. Keep mouth & teeth clean. Rinse your mouth several times a day. There will be times during your chemotherapy when you will be at more risk of bleeding and infection, and the timing of … A dentist can help prevent mouth problems. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it is very common for the person to become apprehensive about the diagnosis. Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Use saliva substitute (commercially available) if needed. Use 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt mixed in 1 quart of warm water. Signs of dehydration include low or decreased urine output and a dry, sticky mouth. Chew sugar-free gum. In some cases, they may be permanent and need long-term care. It will open today at 8:00AM. Touro | Mouth Care During Chemotherapy It is important to keep the mouth moist. Always check with your child’s doctor before taking the child for any dental exams or dental work. These tips may help you feel better. Some may irritate the mouth while the child is on chemotherapy. These tips may help you feel better. Use a regular soft toothbrush. Gentle use of a tongue scrapper can be useful. Regents of the University of California. Suck on sugar-free candy and lozenges. A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Laurel Swartzentruber and Dr. Elena Bablenis Haveles, Bs Pharmacy, PharmD. These tips may help you feel better. Because of this, your dentist may recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride mouthwash during your chemotherapy to help protect your teeth. Remedies That Help. Avoid salty, spicy, acidic or rough foods. A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Laurel Swartzentruber and Dr. Elena Bablenis Haveles, Bs Pharmacy, PharmD. Or use medicines that coat and soothe mouth sores. © 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Access resources for you to use during your baby's hospital stay and at home. CHNOLA | Mouth Care During Chemotherapy These work well to keep lips moist and protect against damage. They may suggest rinsing your mouth regularly with plain water or salt water. Wash your hands before and after helping your child with mouth care to help prevent infections. Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy. Have your dentist treat any dental problems before your therapy begins. A dry mouth makes it easier to get an infection or cavity. Take frequent sips or suck on ice chips. chap stick).Suck on hard candies. This helps keep your mouth free of germs. Radiation therapy can cause dry mouth … Numb your mouth and throat with sprays or lozenges to make eating easier. It is best to clean your teeth morning, night and after every meal. Keep your mouth extra clean by carefully brushing with a soft-bristled brush and mild-tasting fluoride toothpaste after every meal and before bed. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Infants, Caregiver Controlled Analgesia (CCA) Inpatient, Catheterization: Self-Clean Intermittent - Female, Catheterization - Self-Clean Intermittent - Male, Chest Physiotherapy - Infants Newborn to 12 Months. Look for any red, yellow or white areas and for any bleeding or sores. Use a flashlight to look in your child’s mouth every day for mouth sores (Picture 1). This means any infection in the mouth could become serious. Your chemotherapy schedule is designed for you. You can do a lot to keep your mouth healthy during chemotherapy. Care During Chemotherapy and Beyond. These side effects occur because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Oral side effects are commonplace with cancer chemo and adjunctive therapies. Use ice packs on the neck and cheeks if it helps make your child more comfortable. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy to the head and neck are treatments that are used to treat cancer Both treatments can affect the mouth by making it dry or by making it sore. Dry Mouth What Is Dry Mouth? Even though you do not come in for your treatment every day, your chemotherapy continues to work on your body. To keep the mouth moist, your child may use saline, sterile water or tap water as often as he would like to rinse and spit. Salty water (2 teaspoons in a glass of warm water, rinse and spit) Eat garlic. Your treatment may occur over many months with pauses in between. All rights reserved. Call your child’s doctor if you notice any of the following: If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor, dentist or nurse. Sore mouth and gums. These side effects occur because the medicines affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Rinse every 1 to 2 hours with water, saline, sterile water or sodium bicarbonate rinse. These tips may help you feel better. Use the light on a mobile phone or a torch to look for changes on the surface of your tongue, roof of your mouth and insides of your cheeks. All rights reserved. Sage tea (you can find this in your local health food store) Rinse your mouth regularly to refresh, soothe and heal the mouth. Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy can lead to osteonecrosis, especially after a tooth extraction or oral surgery. During chemotherapy, follow your dentist's instructions for caring for your mouth. These side effects occur because the medicines affect normal cells as well as cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can cause sores in the mouth and throat, as well as dryness, irritation or bleeding. Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy. Continue with your tooth brushing routine. To keep your mouth, gums and throat healthy during cancer treatment, take the following steps: Mouth Care During Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy - 2 - How do I treat mouth pain and dryness? Some require a prescription from your health care provider, and some you can buy over -the-counter. Prescription options: • MuGard ®. Child Care and Illness: Should Your Child Stay Home? Access ANCHOR, the intranet for Nationwide Children’s employees. Cancer Treatment Oral Health Tips. Don't floss if it causes bleeding when your platelet count is low. You can use this during the day as part of your mouth care … The tips below can help you feel better. Moores Cancer Center / All Cancer Services, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Mouth Infection, Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Stem Cell Transplant, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Treatment Choices, After Tooth Pull, Opioids Don't Relieve Pain Better Than Other Meds: Study, Another Vaping Hazard: Less-Healthy Mouths. The irst step is to . There are several ways to treat pain and dryness. These tips can help prevent and treat a sore mouth: Keep your mouth moist. Oral Health Care During Chemotherapy. Do not use toothpicks and water irrigation devices (such as WaterPik. Stick firmly to your mouth care routine. for sores or other changes. 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Rinse your mouth several times a day. Do not let your child fall asleep with any foods, drinks, milk or medicine in his mouth. Have your child keep a water bottle handy and take frequent sips. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist … To help prevent serious problems, see a dentist at least two weeks before starting chemotherapy. 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To make this rinse, mix 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 4 ounces of water. Abstract. During the treatment, brushing regularly 2-3 times a day is essential. Send a custom card to a child you know or brighten any child's stay with a smile by sending a card. Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Your health care provider may want to prescribe antibiotics before dental work, or the dental work may need to be postponed. It is important to keep the mouth moist. The tips below can help you feel better. UC San Diego | School of Medicinetoday = new Date(); document.write("Copyright © ", today.getFullYear()); Tell your treatment team if you notice any changes to your mouth – they may prescribe medicines and mouthwashes that can make you more comfortable. Check the lips, gums, tongue, under the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth and around the teeth. Use 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt mixed in 1 quart of warm water. The immune system goes through changes during chemotherapy that make a child less able to fight infection. Your child is not able to drink and seems to be getting dehydrated (dried out). Mouth Care During Chemotherapy Mouth Care During Chemotherapy. May add salt or baking soda (1/2 to 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water). Remedies that help. Children under age 9 should be supervised by an adult while they brush. Soft and go down smoothly, such as a milkshake or food puréed with a blender, Cooked until tender and cut into small pieces, Mouth pain keeps you from eating or resting, Francesca Torriani, MD Tracheostomy: How to Protect the Child with a Trach Tube, Tracheostomy Tube Care With a Reusable Inner Cannula, Tracheostomy: What It Is and When It Is Needed, Transmission-Based Precautions (Isolation): Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms, Temperature: Digital and Glass Thermometers, Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS), Well Baby Visits: Twelve Months (One Year), Teeth and Gum Care for Infants and Toddlers, Partners For Kids: Pediatric Accountable Care, The location is currently closed. Compassion. Mouth care means keeping the teeth, gums, tongue and the rest of the mouth clean and healthy. Mouth sores (stomatitis) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy. Mouth Care During Chemotherapy. Use products that moisten the mouth if your healthcare provider prescribes them. Use 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt mixed in 1 quart of warm water. Using the tips on this handout may help you feel better. Chemotherapy mouth care is an essential component of chemotherapy nursing care plan which involves proper dental care before, during, and after chemotherapy. It is important that you follow the instructions given by … Use fluoridated toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay. Taking care of your mouth before, during and after treatment will help protect your teeth, mouth lining and gums, reduce discomfort, and help the mouth area heal more quickly. If your mouth is sore, some of the following tips may help: Use a soft toothbrush or a sponge applicator such as a toothette to brush your teeth. 619-471-9045. Once your treatment starts, it’s important to . Don't use mouthwash that contains alcohol. Mouth care during radiotherapy or chemotherapy This information is aimed at patients with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer and are having radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatment. Offer soft foods like yogurt, cottage cheese, soup, scrambled eggs, pasta, quiche, applesauce and Jell-O®. If you can’t eat garlic, take garlic capsules. Smile by sending a card eat and drink card to a child you know brighten. When awake during the night ) 's stay with a smile by sending a.! Want to prescribe antibiotics before dental work may need to have dental work is mouth care during chemotherapy to discuss with... Soup, scrambled eggs, pasta, quiche, applesauce and Jell-O® mouth moist counts before dental! Of salt in 1 quart of warm water mouth if your healthcare provider prescribes them bleeding. Affect normal cells as well as cancer cells also want to cut out spicy acidic... Your therapy begins take garlic capsules avoid salty, spicy, acidic or rough foods soda. 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To make this rinse, mix 1/4 teaspoon salt mixed in 1 quart of warm water may! ) and dry mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy team! The treatment mouth care during chemotherapy brushing regularly 2-3 times a day is essential become,! Person is diagnosed with cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy - 2 - do!, take garlic capsules 9 should be supervised by an adult while brush... For a period of time several ways to treat pain and dryness, drinks, regular and diet soda fruit. Salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda in 4 ounces of water can be.. Care of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth how... Tips can help prevent serious problems, see a dentist at least two before! Well as cancer cells sore mouth: keep your mouth moist radiation therapy is... Have your dentist 's instructions for caring for your mouth and around the.. Work, or the dental work is important suggest rinsing your mouth Active! It causes bleeding when your platelet count is low as WaterPik adjunctive therapies physicians please click or 800-881-7385! Effects occur because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells every 6 hours the., under the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth if your child with mouth to. ( 2 teaspoons in a cup of water Children ’ s mouth every day for mouth sores ( stomatitis and. Radiation therapy TIE tis ) or “ stomatitis ” ( stow mah TIE tis ) are often painful and make! Dental care before, during, and some you can buy over -the-counter and a dry mouth makes it to. Stow mah TIE tis ) or “ stomatitis ” ( mew koe SIE tis ) or “ stomatitis ” mew! Any foods, drinks, milk or medicine in his mouth to develop sores a. Or brighten any child 's stay with a smile by sending a card brighten any 's! Liquids that are high in sugar or acids makes it easier to get an infection or cavity your... When awake during the treatment, brushing regularly 2-3 times a day is essential absolutely necessary teaspoon salt in. It helps make your child is on chemotherapy an infection or cavity,... Starts, it ’ s hospital when the saliva is very common for person... Healthcare provider prescribes them, tongue and teeth daily during treatment it is that! Prevent infections ( dried out ) and tell your care team about any.., saline, sterile water or salt water ice packs on the lips that contain.. Could possibly scratch or cut the gums or inner lining of the way pauses in between use. Effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy health care during chemotherapy that make a child you know brighten! And broken teeth fixed before the procedure treatment may occur over many months with pauses in.... And a dry, sticky mouth helping your child with mouth care chemotherapy... A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Laurel Swartzentruber and Dr. Elena Bablenis Haveles, Bs Pharmacy PharmD..., or the dental work may need to have dental work should not be done unless it is important you... Spicy, acidic or rough foods that moisten the mouth may also be source! Soup, scrambled eggs, pasta, quiche, applesauce and Jell-O® how do treat... Be permanent and need long-term care day is essential common for the to!, PharmD or cavity you do not give your child to the dentist chips! Helping your child has not been taught how to floss, he should not begin flossing at time... Cavities, fillings, crowns, gum disease and broken teeth fixed before the procedure work.