Key points about a sore mouth during treatment
- a sore mouth and throat are common side effects of chemotherapy treatment
- good mouth care will help avoid infection and reduce discomfort
- your child may need softer foods and extra support with eating and drinking
Why a sore mouth happens
Chemotherapy can cause a condition called mucositis, where the lining of the mouth and throat becomes inflamed or ulcerated. This usually happens 7 to10 days after treatment begins, when blood cell counts are at their lowest. Mucositis can make it painful to eat, drink, or swallow. It may increase the risk of infection (septicaemia – bacteria entering the bloodstream).
Caring for your child's mouth during cancer treatment
Dental care
Brush teeth gently twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Keep the toothbrush clean and replace it every 1 to 2 months.
Always tell your healthcare team before you make a dental appointment for your child.
Before you visit the dentist, tell the dentist that your child is having chemotherapy.
Lip care
Keep lips moist with lanolin and soft paraffin to protect against drying and chapping.
Apply lip balm after brushin and throughout the day.
Tell your healthcare team if your child is having trouble with their lips or teeth.
Signs your child may have a sore mouth
If your child can't tell you their mouth is sore, look for:
- drooling (especially in younger tamariki)
- difficulty speaking or opening their mouth
- refusing food or drink
- dry, cracked lips
- pale or swollen gums
- bleeding gums or mouth ulcers
Eating and drinking with a sore mouth
Before eating
- help your child rinse their mouth with water or gentle mouthwash
- a clean, fresh mouth can make eating more comfortable
Offer soft moist foods
- custard, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables with butter
- pasta, rice, baby food, or cheese-based sauces
- add extra gravy, sauce, yoghurt, or cream to keep foods moist
Nourishing drinks
- milkshakes with full cream milk, ice-cream, or yoghurt and flavouring
- fruit smoothies (such as banana or strawberries blended with milk)
- yoghurt smoothies with fruit juice, yoghurt and fresh fruit
- nutritional supplements - speak to your child's dietitian
Avoid foods that might sting or scratch
- avoid giving foods that might sting, like citrus juice and very salty or spicy foods
- avoid giving rough foods like toast and foods that may need a lot of chewing
Making mouth care easier and more fun
Involve brothers and sisters in the game of mouth care. Things you could try include:
- turning mouth care into a game - use dolls or teddies for role play
- praising your child for helping or trying
- letting your child hold the swab or apply gel themselves
- using fun toothbrushes or flavoured mouth rinses (if approved by your healthcare team)
