A continuous, moist lining (mucosa) covers the inside of your mouth, esophagus, and your intestines. The mucosa helps to prevent organisms from entering your body and causing an infection. Radiation or chemotherapy can damage the cells that make up this lining and cause inflammation or mucositis, When irritation occurs in your mouth, it is called stomatitis.

We hope that this information will help you prevent or manage stomatitis. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any problems, questions, or concerns.

GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

1. Visit your dentist before beginning treatment if possible. This also applies to anyone with dentures.
2. Brush after eating and at bedtime. Use toothpaste that is mild and non-irritating, and a soft bristled brush. Do not use water picks or toothpicks. Floss daily.
3. Remove dentures and clean daily.
4. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz of water) 4 times a day or after eating. You may also use ½ strength hydrogen peroxide. We do not recommend commercial mouthwashes. They often contain alcohol, which may irritate your mouth.
5. Moisten lips with water-based products such as Surgilube or KY gel.
6. If your mouth is dry, ask your pharmacist about saliva substitutes such as Mouthkote, Moi-stir or Salivart, Salix, or Biotene products. You may also use ice chips, and sugar-free gum or candy to help with dryness.
7. Examine your mouth daily. Look for redness, ulcers, or sores.

Oral Care for Sore Mouth

1. Report soreness or bleeding to our office.
2. Clean your teeth and gums regularly. Use a very soft bristled brush. Pre-soften the brush in warm water before using. Do not floss if it causes bleeding or pain.
3.  Remove dentures except at mealtimes.
4. Rinse with the salt-water solution described previously every 2 hours during the day.
5.  Keep lips and mouth moist, particularly at night.
6. Avoid foods and fluids that cause discomfort, such as alcohol, citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and spicy, hot, or rough foods. Foods that are soft, pureed, ground, room temperature, or chilled, may be more comfortable.

Contact our office if you have: Difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing, bleeding, pain, or ulcers in your mouth or on your lips!

Ann Arbor Hematology Oncology Associates, P.C.
734-712-1000
Saint Joseph Mercy Cancer Center
Ypsilanti, Michigan

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