How to look after your mouth during radiotherapy. Cancer Services Information for patients

Transcription

1 How to look after your mouth during radiotherapy Cancer Services Information for patients i

2 How do I look after my mouth? It is important to check your mouth for any signs of ulcers, soreness or infection. This should be done daily if you are having radiotherapy or combination radiotherapy / chemotherapy. What things should I tell my radiographer about? You should inform your radiographer if you develop any of the following: Ulcers in your mouth or on your lips. A thick coating on your tongue that cannot be moved with mouth care sponges. Pain or soreness anywhere in the mouth. White patches on the inside of your cheeks or on your tongue. How should I clean my mouth? If you have your own teeth Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste at least twice a day, but ideally after each meal and at bedtime. If your mouth becomes sore and brushing is uncomfortable we will provide you with mouth care sponges. Rinse your mouth frequently, using either the mouthwash given to you, Difflam mouthwash (available from chemists), or saline mouthwash. This is made by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in a pint of cooled, boiled water (this can be kept in a sealed container and used over 24 hours). It is advisable not to use other preparations unless you have checked with your doctor or radiographer. 2

3 How should I clean my mouth? (continued) If you have dentures Remove your dentures and clean them with a toothbrush and denture paste at least twice a day, but ideally after every meal and at bedtime. Try to soak your dentures overnight. With dentures removed, rinse your mouth using either the mouth wash you have been given, Difflam mouth wash (available from chemists), or saline mouth wash (see page 2) Mouth care sponges can be provided to help you clean your mouth It may be advisable to leave dentures out if your mouth and gums become sore. Can I continue to smoke? You should not smoke as this will make your mouth more sore. Tips and advice The following sections give you simple tips that you can follow if you suffer from any of the three most common mouth problems: Sore mouth or lips Dry mouth Altered taste or loss of taste 3

4 Tips and advice (continued) Sore mouth or lips Clean your mouth as advised. Drink and eat warm things rather than hot. Allow cold things to warm slightly. Avoid spicy or salty foods, especially if you have open sores. Chilled fruit or fruit jellies may help. If fruit juices (such as fresh orange, lemon or grapefruit) sting, you can dilute them with water, tonic or soda water. Try drinking sparkling water, tonic or soda water. Try drinking through a straw Dry mouth Rinse your mouth frequently with the mouthwash you have been given, saline mouth wash (see page 2), or even plain warm, previously boiled, water. This will help to stimulate saliva production. Clean your mouth as advised. Ensure you drink at least two litres of fluid per day. Water and fruit juices are best, as tea and coffee can make your mouth dry. Carry a bottle of water with you and take frequent sips in order to keep your mouth moist. Avoid alcohol. Try soft foods and use extra gravy, butter, sauces and custards to make your food moist. Try drinking sparkling water, tonic or soda water. Chilled jellies may help. 4

5 Tips and advice (continued) Altered taste or loss of taste Clean your mouth as advised. Try using stronger flavourings in your cooking, such as herbs, spices, lemon juice or garlic. Drinks such as orange juice, bitter lemon, lemonade or herbal teas may be more refreshing than tea or coffee. Taste will return eventually, but may take some time. For future reference Following treatment it is important that you continue to maintain good oral and dental hygiene. A dry mouth can increase your risk of dental decay. You should visit your dentist regularly. Always tell your dentist if you are having chemotherapy or radiotherapy or are taking any medication. 5

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8 Oncology Information Group Mouth care (Radiotherapy) Edition4: September 2013 Reviewed September 2015 For review September 2017 CAN If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the service equality manager on