Understand how to manage cancer treatment side effects, including mouth sores, so that you can feel more in control as you go through cancer treatment.
By Mayo Clinic staff

If you’re about to begin cancer treatment, be aware that certain treatments can cause mouth sores (oral mucositis). Mouth sores can be painful and distressing. They can range from a mere inconvenience to a severe complication that may make you unable to continue your cancer treatment.
What are cancer-related mouth sores?
Cancer-related mouth sores are sores or ulcers that form on the inside lining of your mouth (mucous membranes) or on your lips. The mouth sores appear burn-like and can be painful, making it difficult to eat, talk, swallow and breathe. Sores can appear on any of the soft tissues of your lips or your mouth, including your gums, your tongue, or the roof and floor of your mouth. Sores can also extend into the tube (esophagus) that carries food to your stomach.
How do cancer treatments cause mouth sores? (more)

Brushing your teeth can be painful, use a softer brush. Always soften the brush with hot water just before you brush.
Use Oxyfresh Dental Gel as a toothpaste. It is a natural product that heals and freshens your breath.
Always rinse your mouth after eating with a mixture of baking soda, salt and water. Don not use commercial mouthwashes, they may irritate your sores.
Moisturize your lips three times a day with lotion or balm.
Swab the sores with Maalox or Milk of Magnesia — if your doctor recommends it.
Use a straw when you drink beverages.
Try to choose foods that are soft, moist and cold.

Good oral care is important during cancer treatment. Some anticancer drugs can cause sores in the mouth and throat, a condition called stomatitis or mucositis. Anticancer drugs also can make these tissues dry and irritated or cause them to bleed. Patients who have not been eating well since beginning chemotherapy are more likely to get mouth sores.
Mouth sores, tender gums, and a sore throat or esophagus often result from radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or infection. If you are under treatment for cancer and have a sore mouth or gums, see your doctor to be sure the soreness is a treatment side effect and not an unrelated dental problem. The doctor may be able to give you medicine that will control mouth and throat pain. Your dentist also can give you tips for the care of your mouth.
In addition to being painful, mouth sores can become infected by the many germs that live in the mouth. Every step should be taken to prevent infections, because they can be hard to fight during chemotherapy and can lead to serious problems.

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Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ceresin, Sodium Chlorite (Oxygene® – stabilized chlorine dioxide), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Fruit Extract, Propylene Glycol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.