Oral Mucositis: causes, symptoms and treatment
Patients undergoing a chemotherapy often develop problems with their oral mucosa. The area can get inflamed and white or grey sores will develop as a result. This is another nasty side effect of chemotherapy. Infections can delay the healing process. Therefore it is important to try and avoid oral mucositis. If you already have oral mucositis it is important to soothe and take special care of your mouth.
What causes oral mucositis?
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can damage sensitive cells in mouth and throat. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy usually become symptomatic in the first week after starting the treatment. Patients undergoing radiotherapy will experience mucositis in the second week of the treatment and the symptoms will last longer (over six weeks).
Consequences oral mucositis
Oral mucositis can cause major discomfort, such as pain in the mouth and throat. Eating of hot, sour and sharp spiced foods will make things worse. There may also be difficulties in chewing, swallowing and speaking. The quality of life is affected. The more severe the mucositis, the greater the risk of (life-threatening) infections.
How to prevent oral mucositis?
Preventing this problem is not always possible. However, you can always try and reduce the symptoms of this awful problem.
How to treat oral mucositis?
Oral mucositis is a known side-effect of chemotherapy. The treatment will be focused on reducing the complaints. There are a couple of things you can do to reduce the side-effects:
- Choose a ultra soft brush to clean your teeth
- Avoid mouthwash with alcohol. Our oxygen fluid does not contain any alcohol and is therefore save for using. It also doesn’t contain any chemical additives and is especially designed for the sensitive mouth.
- Eat soft foods, not too cold, not too warm
- Avoid spicy foods or foods with high amounts of salt
- Drink enough water or herbal tea
Signs and symptoms of oral mucositis
Oral mucositis may manifest itself with the sensation of a burning mouth. Swallowing and chewing can be painful, consuming food and drinking becomes difficult or even impossible. This while a patient needs to get enough nutrients in this phase of recovery to strengthen.
You can recognise oral mucositis by the following symptoms:
- thick and sticky saliva
- change of taste
- bleeding and painful gums
- pale-looking oral mucus
- painful blisters in the mouth
Can you use our products safely during chemotherapy?
Healthy gum is pink, tight around your teeth and implants and doesn’t bleed whilst brushing.
I’m undergoing chemotherapy, will I get this?
0-75% of chemotherapy patients suffer from oral mucositis. Over 90% of head and neck cancer patients develop oral mucositis. Up to 100% of bone marrow transplant patients are affected by oral mucositis.
Has my weight loss got anything to do with this
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. Without treatment it can result in periodontitis.