5 WAYS TO PREVENT ORAL MUCOSITIS DURING CANCER TREATMENT

Oral mucositis, also called stomatitis is a common complication occurring in the patients undergoing cancer treatment. The symptoms of oral mucositis ranges from mild redness of oral mucosa to severe ulceration. It limit the ability to eat and drink as it is associated with intense pain making patients more vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Given below are 5 ways to prevent oral mucositis during cancer treatment

1. Maintain Oral Hygiene

1. Regular visit to dentist
2. Brush your teeth with soft brush, after meals and at night. A gauge piece can be used to clean the mouth if patient is unable to brush.
3. Use of Properly fit dentures and remove denture at night or while at rest.
4. Rinse mouth before and after meals. Plain old salt water is one of the best and most cost effective mouth rinses.It removes all the debris as well as keep the mouth moist.
5. Avoid toothpastes with whitening agents
6. Avoid alcohol based mouthwashes
7. Use of dental floss will depend on blood count and oral mucosa assessment so use dental floss if it is advisable by your doctor

2. Nutritional Interventions

1. Avoid spicy, acidic and coarse food like raw vegetables and crackers.
2. Avoid hot food as it can irritate the oral mucosa so consume food cold or at room temperature. Eat soft foods and fruits such as banana ,berries and a watermelon.
3. Foods like custard, pudding, mashed vegetables, cooked cereal such as oats and scrambled eggs can be eaten.
4. Protein and micro-nutrient rich food should be included in diet.
5. Consult dietician to ensure that you have a healthy diet

3. Increase Fluid Intake

1. High-energy, nutritious drinks such as milk or liquid nutritional supplements should be taken in between or with meals.
2. Use of straw for fluid intake as it will reduce oral mucosa irritation.
3. Chew sugarless gum to stimulate salivary flow.

4. Cryotherapy To Minimize Oral Mucositis

Cooling of the mouth using ice, ice-cold water, ice cream or ice lollies/popsicles. It makes the blood vessels narrow thereby reduces the amount of blood containing chemotherapy drugs from reaching the mouth and causing oral mucositis. It is a low-cost, natural treatment without serious side effects.

5. Use Of Therapeutic Agents

Many analgesics, mouth rinses, anti fungal, topical agents which form a protective cover over mucosa are widely available but they should be used only as and when advised by doctors. Effectiveness of all these agent may vary according to the severity of mucositis.

Written by Dr Neha Sharma (Dentist & Public Health Professional passionate to provide quality health education)