Guidance for Our Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and/or Radiation Therapy

View the video Link Below from The international Society of Oral Oncology

Fact Sheets from the International Society of Oral Oncology

Members of the International Society of Oral Oncology and Oral Care Study Group have created these multilingual Fact Sheets for patients receiving chemotherapy and those undergoing head and neck radiation therapy. These Fact Sheets are the result of years of work within the ISOO and the Oral Care Study Group. They were created by a network of physicians, nurses, dietitians, speech language pathologists, dentists, radiation therapists and social workers committed to supportive care. Based on systematic reviews and guideline development, the Fact Sheets reflect up-to-date, evidenced-based recommendations for managing the oral complications of cancer therapy, as well as the most current thinking about knowledge translation and delivery to patients. 

Fact Sheet Links Below:
How to Care for Your Mouth During Active Chemotherapy
How to Care for Yourself Before Head and Neck Radiation Begins
How to Care for Yourself During Head and Neck Radiation
How to Care for Yourself After Head and Neck Radiation

Patient Tips 

Nutrition

Choose high-protein, high-calorie foods and fluids such as; cheese, milk, meat, eggs, beans, yogurt, puddings and ice cream.

When Eating Becomes a Challenge (due to pain or trouble swallowing)
• Choose soft or blended foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pastas or soups
• Moisten your food by adding sauces, gravies, oils or butter
• Avoid acidic foods and juices such as tomatoes, oranges and grapefruits
• Avoid dry, hard and crusty foods such as toast, nuts, chips and raw fruits and vegetables
• Eat several small meals and snacks per day
• Use nutritional supplements and/or drink smoothies and milkshakes
• Have water with you at all times, sip often throughout the day

Fluids

Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily (non-carbonated, alcohol-and caffeine-free)

Oral Hygiene

During chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, it is extremely important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Below are dental hygiene recommendations for patients during cancer treatment.

• Visit your dentist and hygienist if it has been more than 6 months since your last cleaning
• Floss teeth at least 1 time per day
• Brush teeth at least 2 times per day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Brush after meals and before you go to bed at night
• Consider using daily fluoride treatments as prescribed by your dentist

When Brushing Becomes a Challenge:
• Try to brush gently even if your mouth is sore
• Clean mouth with moist gauze or foam swab soaked in mouth rinse (recipe below)
• Rinse with baking soda mouth rinse every 1-2 hours while you are awake (recipe below)
• If toothpaste becomes unbearable, dip toothbrush in baking soda mouth rinse (recipe below)
• Rinse with topical anesthetic as prescribed by your dentist

Baking Soda Mouth Rinse Recipe:
• 1 Teaspoon Salt,  1 Teaspoon Baking Soda, 4 Cups Water
Mix all ingredients together. Put in container with lid. Shake vigorously before using. Rinse and gargle with 1 tablespoon of mouthwash and spit. Repeat 2-3 times. Rinse with mouthwash every 1-2 hours. Discard mixture at end of day. Make new recipe each morning.

Moisturize 

• Moisturize nasal passages with a steam vaporizer at night
• Use water-soluble, animal-or plant-based oil lubricants to moisturize lips
• Avoid petroleum jelly and glycerin products
• Rinse often with water or mouth rinse

If any of the below symptoms occur during your cancer treatment, it is important that you contact us immediately. 
• Mouth sores develop
• Eating, drinking, or swallowing causes pain
• Mouth feels swollen

If you develop fever of 100.4° Fahrenheit, seek treatment at emergency room.