- Drink plenty of nourishing fluids. If you find that fresh fruit juices sting your mouth, try less acidic juices instead, such as blackcurrant or rosehip syrup, apple juice or peach or pear nectar. Some pre-prepared, juice-tasting drinks may also be helpful. These are available from health food shops and some supermarkets.
- Cold foods and drinks can be soothing to a sore mouth. Try adding crushed ice to drinks and eating ice cream or soft milk jellies.
- Avoid salty or spicy food which may sting your mouth.
- Avoid rough textured food like toast or raw vegetables as they can scrape at sore skin.
- Keep your food moist with sauces and gravies.
- Try drinking through a straw.
- Pineapple chunks or melon slices can clean the mouth and are refreshing.
- Tell your doctor if you have a sore mouth. They can prescribe soothing or antiseptic lotions or sprays for you.
- Ask your doctor or nurse for advice about suitable mouthwashes. Mouthwashes can be very soothing, but many that you can buy in chemists or shops may be too strong for you. Your doctor can prescribe an anaesthetic gel or mouthwash.
- Use a child’s soft toothbrush to clean your teeth gently.
- If you wear dentures, soak them in a denture-cleaning solution overnight and leave them out for as long as you can during the day to prevent them chafing your gums. NB: If you are having radiotherapy to the jaw area you may be advised to keep your dentures in as much as possible during the day. This can help to maintain the shape of your gums.
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CANCER SUPPORT > EATING WELL > EATING PROBLEMS > SORE MOUTHSore mouth
Content last reviewed: 01 April 2006
Page last modified: 14 January 2009
Page last modified: 14 January 2009