Before Treatment

Think about your overall health before treatment. The healthier you are, the better able your body will be to prevent problems and fight potential side effects. Being healthy includes following a well-balanced diet. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about a diet plan that is right for you.

Also, if you are having radiation therapy to your head or neck, see a dentist 2 weeks beforehand. The dentist will take care of any existing oral health problems you may have to ensure that you are as healthy as possible before treatment.

Self-care Tips

Once treatment begins, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat any problems that occur. In addition to medications, here are other ways to maintain a healthy mouth during treatment:

• Check your mouth every day to detect problems, such as mouth sores or white patches. Report any problems to your doctor.
• Keep your mouth moist. You can do this by:
  • Sucking on ice
  • Sipping water or spraying your mouth with water often throughout the day
  • Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on hard candy
  • Taking medication prescribed by your doctor to increase saliva
• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue after eating and before going to bed. Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Also, floss gently once a day.
• Do not use mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Instead, mix ¼ teaspoon (1.23 milliliters [mL]) baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon (.62 mL) salt, and 1 cup (237 mL) of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this solution every 1-2 hours.
• If you wear dentures, soak and brush them every day.
• Do not use tobacco. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco.

Eating and Drinking Tips

• Eat foods that are easy to chew and swallow, like mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. You can moisten foods with sauce, broth, or gravy.
• Foods should be warm or room temperature.
• Take small bites and chew slowly.
• Sip water while eating.
• Drink cool beverages.
• Avoid foods that may harm your mouth, such as:
  • Crunchy foods, like chips
  • Hot foods
  • Spicy foods
  • Sugary foods and drinks
  • Tomatoes, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits
  • Alcohol
• Sit up straight and bend your head slightly when eating and drinking. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after eating.

Your doctor or dietitian may suggest foods that are high in calories and protein so that you can maintain a healthy weight during treatment.

Tips for Dealing with Stiffness

You may experience stiffness in your jaw. If so, your doctor may help relieve this with special devices and medications. There are also some exercises that you can do at home, such as the following:

1. Open and close your mouth as far as you can without feeling pain.
2. Do 20 at a time, 3 times per day.

Tips for Dealing With Pain

If you experience pain, you and your doctor will work together to find ways to help relieve it. Your doctor may prescribe medications, as well as other therapies like:

• Applying cold or heat to the painful area
• Physical therapy
• Counseling
• Acupuncture