Oral mucositis during cancer treatment: symptoms and care

Some cancer treatments can damage the oral mucosa and cause painful inflammation. It is important to report such symptoms early to your treatment team.

What is oral mucositis?

Mucositis is inflammation of the oral or other gastrointestinal tract mucosa. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy of the head and neck can damage rapidly renewing mucosal cells. The severity and duration depend on the treatment and individual circumstances.

What symptoms may occur?

The mouth may hurt, redness, sores, dryness may appear, eating, drinking, or swallowing may be difficult. An infection may also develop. Painful changes should not automatically be considered fungal: their cause is determined by a doctor.

When to inform the treatment team?

Report sores, mouth pain, dryness, or difficulty eating and drinking to the oncology treatment team, family doctor, or their designated contact. If fever occurs or overall condition worsens, follow your team’s emergency contact instructions.

If breathing or consciousness is impaired, or in another life-threatening situation, call 112.

How to care for the mouth?

If the treatment team does not object, gently brush your teeth with a soft brush and follow their recommended oral care. It may be easier to choose softer, moist food and avoid very hot, spicy, acidic, or coarse products and alcoholic rinses.

If it is difficult to clean the mouth, drink, or eat, discuss this with the treatment team – they can offer individual solutions.

How is pain and inflammation treated?

The doctor can select pain-relieving or mucosa-protecting agents, assess fluid and nutritional needs, and treat any identified infection. Do not use new products or change cancer treatment without consulting your team.

Why is a dental examination important before treatment?

If time permits, the oncology team may recommend assessing oral health before treatment. This gives an opportunity to discuss sources of infection, denture fit and individual care. The timing of urgent dental procedures must be coordinated with the treatment team.

What happens after cancer treatment?

The mucosa may gradually recover, but healing time is individual. Radiation therapy to the head and neck can damage salivary glands in some people, causing longer-lasting dryness. It is worthwhile to discuss oral health and dental care plans with the treatment team and dentist.