Coping with Chemotherapy-Induced Mouth Sores

oncare team
Updated on Aug 12, 2025 18:58 IST

By Raveena M Prakash

Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment used for cancer; like any powerful medicine, it also has side effects. One of the painful and uncomfortable symptoms caused by cancer and chemotherapy is oral mucositis, also commonly known as mouth sores. These health concerns in cancer patients make it difficult to eat, speak, and even swallow the foods. It also impacts their nutrition and overall health and quality of life. 

In this article, we’ll discover more about why these sores happen in the mouth and how to prevent them, and what you can do to manage and control the pain and promote healing.

Why do mouth sores happen during chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly growing cells, which include cancer cells and healthy cells in the mouth, digestive tracts, and hair follicles. Consuming chemotherapy drugs can cause inflammation and formation of ulcers in the soft tissues in the mouth, which often leads to sores and pain, and there’s a risk of infection as well. 

These health issues are generally the side effects of chemotherapy, and these usually begin 5 to 10 days after starting chemotherapy, and they can last up to 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the drug and individual response.

Common symptoms of chemotherapy-induced mouth sores

Here are some common symptoms of chemotherapy induced mouth sores. 

These may include:

  • Red, swollen, bleeding gums
  • Painful ulcers on the tongue, lips, or cheeks
  • Burning or tingling sensations
  • Difficulty in eating, drinking, and speaking
  • Finding out about white patches or film on the inside of the mouth (this may also indicate the presence of an infection)

Tips for preventing mouth sores

Chemotherapy-induced mouth sores are not always avoidable. There are several strategies that can reduce the risk of the severity and complexity of pain and sensitivity of gums.

Here’s how you can prevent these issues, follow these:

Maintaining good oral hygiene

Try to use a soft-bristled brush and brush your teeth gently after completing your meals. Keep an oral and dental hygiene rinse with salt water and mouthwashes. Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.

You can also floss your teeth daily if your platelet count is at safe levels; always consult a dentist if your gums are sensitive and bleeding easily.

Stay hydrated and drink more water

Drink enough water and stay hydrated. Try to sip water slowly and regularly to keep your mouth hydrated and moist as well. Always use sugar-free chewing gum to stimulate saliva in the mouth. 

Avoid irritating foods

If you are experiencing mouth sores, then stay away from food that acts as an irritant, like spicy, acidic, or hard-textured foods. If you would like to drink caffeine or alcohol. Then limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol and the use of tobacco products. 

Consult a dentist before the chemotherapy treatment

Consulting a dentist before your pre-chemotherapy appointments can help to address the potential oral and dental hygiene that might tend to worsen during the treatment.

What can you do to cope with mouth sore?

If you are undergoing chemotherapy and mouth sores start to appear in the mouth, then here’s how you can effectively manage the pain and improve the situation.

1. Rinse regularly

Always use a gentle mouthwash and rinse regularly several times a day to avoid inflammation. Always swish and spit the mouthwash after gargling. Don’t swallow and continue this, especially after the meals, to keep your oral health clean and hygienic.

2. Topical application for relief

If you are experiencing severe pain, then apply benzydamine (Difflam) or magic mouthwash, as prescribed by your doctor, for a rinse. 

You can also get the over-the-counter oral gels such as Orajel and Gelclair; they can provide a protective coating above the teeth.

3. Pain management

If you are experiencing severe pain, then use medications such as lidocaine rinse and oral pain relievers as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Try foods such as ice chips, smoothies, or popsicles, which can numb the areas naturally.

4. Modify your diet

If you are experiencing severe pain, then eat foods that are soft and bland, including oatmeal, mashed potatoes, bananas, scrambled eggs, and yogurt.

Use blenders to make smoothies and nutrient-rich foods such as soups and shakes as well. Always avoid using foods that are too hot, cold, or spicy. 

5. Consult your oncologists

If you are experiencing severe forms of mouth sores, then consult an oncologist to manage and control your chemotherapy regimen or discuss with your oncologist prescribing medications such as palifermin (Kepivance) to promote healing.

When to consult a doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, then do not hesitate to consult your oncologist and a dentist.

These may include:

  • Mouth sores making it hard to eat or drink
  • Experiencing any signs of infections (fever, pus, white patches)
  • Bleeding gums and mouth
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration

Consult Today

Mouth sores during chemotherapy are more than just a side effect but a highly challenging situation. These issues can often appear painful and uncomfortable, and they also interfere with daily life. With good oral care, smart dietary choices, and proactive symptom management, it’s easy to reduce the issues caused by the chemotherapy. Following these tips helps to stay nourished and comfortable.

At Oncare, we offer premium- quality cancer treatments, including advanced surgeries, at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our oncologists today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!

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