During cancer treatment, you may experience side effects that impact your mouth, gums, tongue, and throat. Oral side effects may vary and can include redness, tenderness, taste changes, dry mouth, and more. Taste changes may cause foods to taste bitter, earthy, or metallic. You may also have a salty taste in your mouth.
To help improve your sense of taste while undergoing cancer treatment:
- Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before you eat.
- Use plastic utensils instead of metal.
- Try adding a small amount of lemon juice to your water and food--avoid if you have a sore mouth.
Be sure to contact your care team if you have any questions.
Dry mouth may lead to trouble chewing or swallowing.
To alleviate a dry mouth while undergoing cancer treatment:
- Keep hydrated.
- Suck on ice chips or sugar-free hard candy.
- Chew sugar-free gum.
- Eat soft foods. Adding sauces or gravy helps increase moisture.
Other side effects to monitor:
- Open sores which may feel uncomfortable and can prevent you from getting adequate nutrition and hydration.
- White patches on the mouth or tongue which may be a sign of infection.
It’s important to contact your provider if you experience either mouth sores or white patches.
To reduce the likelihood of side effects, use these oral hygiene tips:
- Brush your teeth after each meal and at bedtime with a gentle toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Avoid toothpastes with whiteners, tartar control, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash or a mixture of salt water and baking soda followed by a water rinse 3 to 4 times a day.
- Gently floss your teeth every day. If your gums bleed or hurt, avoid those sensitive areas but continue to floss your other teeth.
During treatment, avoid foods that are high in acid and that can aggravate side effects:
- Tomato products, citrus juices, pickled foods
- Spices and spicy foods: chili, chili powder, curry, cloves, black pepper, and hot sauces
- Foods that are too hot in temperature
Oral side effects may come and go throughout treatment and can take between 10 to 14 days to heal. Scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning before cancer treatment begins is a good way to minimize serious mouth problems. If dental work is needed during treatment, discuss it with your provider.
If you have any questions about oral side effects, contact your cancer care team.
Affiliated Oncologists are here to help.