Can chemotherapy cause oral mucositis?

The lining may become red, swollen, tender, or ulcerated. Symptoms can make speaking, swallowing, and enjoying food difficult, but the cancer team can offer mouth-care measures and pain relief.

Changes may begin with dryness, sensitivity, a burning feeling, or discomfort with spicy and acidic foods. Ulcers, a coated tongue, cracked lips, altered taste, or bleeding can follow. Damaged tissue also gives bacteria and fungi an easier route into the body, particularly when chemotherapy has lowered white blood cells.

Not every sore mouth is mucositis. Thrush, cold sores, dental problems, dehydration, and other medicines can cause similar discomfort, so tell the team what you can see and whether swallowing has changed.

Use a soft toothbrush and clean the teeth and gum line gently. Rinse as directed by your treatment team, keep lips moisturised, take frequent sips, and choose soft, moist foods at a comfortable temperature. A straw may help some drinks bypass sore areas.

Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes, tobacco, and foods that are sharp, rough, very salty, spicy, or acidic while the mouth is tender. Do not apply ulcer gels or start supplements without checking that they are suitable alongside treatment. Report soreness early so pain control and diet support can begin before intake falls.

Contact the cancer team urgently for a fever at the threshold they gave you, chills, rapidly worsening ulcers, uncontrolled pain, new white patches, or bleeding that does not settle. These changes may need examination and treatment for infection.

Get same-day advice if swallowing liquids is difficult, urine becomes dark or scant, dizziness develops, or medicines cannot be taken. Trouble breathing, marked swelling in the mouth or throat, or inability to swallow saliva requires emergency care.

Before treatment, ask which rinse and toothbrush the team recommends, whether a dental check is appropriate, and which pain medicines are compatible with your regimen. If sores develop, ask about topical relief, dietitian input, infection testing, and how to maintain fluids and nutrition.