Radiation and chemotherapy can take a toll on your body. One of the most uncomfortable side effects to deal with are mouth sores. There are treatments and medications that can make this side effect easier to handle. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or using any rinses to make sure that you are using something that is safe for you.
Mucositis and Stomatitis
Oral mucositis and stomatitis are two side effects that cancer patients experience with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Oral mucositis is inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and may appear as ulcers and burn-like sores anywhere in the mouth. Stomatitis is inflammation of the tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, roof, floor, tongue and inside of the lips and cheeks. It includes the mucous membranes, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. These two conditions can cause pain, infection, bleeding and difficulty eating or breathing.
Supplements That Help
Some supplements are helpful in the treatment of stomatitis and mucositis, but studies into these remedies are mixed. For instance, some people have used a chamomile tea mouthwash for stomatitis, but the one positive study into this remedy is flawed, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. A better study showed no help from chamomile. Beta-carotene and vitamin E are also used to prevent mouth sores, but there are no definitive studies on them. Zinc supplements are recommended by the University of Chicago Medical Center for the pain caused by mouth sores.
Rinses
You can make a rinse to help with the pain of mouth sores. A simple recipe includes 1/2 tsp. of salt, 2 tbsp. of baking soda and 4 cups of water, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Use this to clear your mouth of saliva and neutralize acidity. You can also use capsaicin on your mouth sores to help relieve some of the pain. Use glutamine powder by taking 10 g in liquid. Swish and swallow three times per day, but use this only if you do not have kidney or liver problems, according to the University of Connecticut Health Center.
Other Helpful Hints
If you have mouth sores, keep your mouth and teeth clean. Have regular checkups with your dentist to ensure that your teeth are in good condition. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush every four hours. Eat soft, bland foods that are not likely to irritate your mouth sores. Frequently clean your mouth with the rinses to keep your saliva thin and your mouth clean and moist. Use pain killers prescribed by your doctor to handle the pain of mouth sores. Povidone-iodine mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol might also help relieve the pain from mouth sores.
