Whats is oral mucositis ?

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.  

Cause 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).

Chance of oral mucositis in numbers:

  • Nearly 100% of patients with tumours in the head or neck will develop oral mucositis when treated with radiotherapy
  • An alarming 89% develop this oral mucositis when treated with a combination of chemo and radiation
  • 40% of the patients treated with chemo

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.

Symptoms 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

Preventing oral mucositis

Preventing this problem is not always possible. However, you can always try and reduce the symptoms of this awful problem.

Treatment 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

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