Chemotherapy and radiation therapy focused on the head and neck usually cause mild to severe side effects in the mouth. While the goal of treatment is to kill cancer cells, other normal, rapidly dividing cells such as those of the mouth, lips and tongue are often affected as well. Your health care team will work with you to help control the oral complications of treatment as you go through cancer therapy.
Dry Mouth
Chemotherapy and head and neck radiation may cause dry mouth due to decreased production of saliva, advises the American Cancer Society. This side effect is often particularly troublesome with head and neck radiation treatment. Sipping on fluids throughout the day, eating moist foods, and staying well hydrated can help make this side effect less uncomfortable. Head and neck radiation may cause permanent dry mouth, depending on the focus of the radiation and the total dose of radiation received.
Taste Changes
The National Cancer Institute explains that chemotherapy medications and head and neck radiation may affect the taste buds. Platinum-containing chemotherapy drugs including cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin often cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Other chemotherapy medications and radiation can cause a decreased or altered sense of taste.
Sore Mouth and Gums
Stomatitis--irritation of the tissues inside the mouth--often occurs with chemotherapy and head and neck radiation treatment. Painful mouth sores frequently develop and your gums may bleed easily. The Mayo Clinic notes that keeping your mouth and teeth clean is especially important while undergoing cancer treatment. When your mouth is sore, keeping comfortable can be challenging. Using an extra soft toothbrush and avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes can make mouth care less painful. Your doctor may have you use a prescription mouthwash, which people often call "magic mouthwash." The mouthwash suppresses growth of bacteria and fungi, protects the lining of the mouth, and reduces mouth inflammation. Avoid salty, sour, acidic and spicy foods that may further irritate the mouth.
Dry Lips and Lip Sores
Similar to the inside of the mouth, the lips can also be affected by head and neck radiation and some chemotherapy medicines. The lips may be dry, chapped, or cracked. Painful sores may develop. Lip balms to moisten the lips can be helpful. Avoid salty and spicy foods that may further irritate the lips.
Jaw Stiffness
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes jaw stiffness may develop with head and neck radiation treatments. Irritation and cell damage in the jaw joints cause this side effect. It is important to keep the jaw joints mobile. Your doctor or dentist can advise you about exercises to maintain good movement in the jaw joints.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects, Mouth and Throat Changes
- American Cancer Society: Managing Side Effects of Chemotherapy
- Mayo Clinic: Mouth Sores, Cancer-Related Causes and How to Cope
- National Cancer Institute: Chemotherapy and You, Mouth and Throat Changes
- Mayo Clinic: Magic Mouthwash, Effective in Treating Chemotherapy Mouth Sores?
