Can radiotherapy cause oral mucositis?

Radiation in the head and neck area can damage rapidly renewing cells in the moist lining of the mouth and throat. The lining may become red, tender, swollen, or ulcerated. Saliva can feel thicker, and swallowing, speaking, or wearing dentures may become uncomfortable. Treatment directed elsewhere in the body does not expose the mouth in the same way.

Soreness can make it difficult to eat and drink, which raises the risk of dehydration, weight loss, and interruptions to planned care. The radiotherapy team should hear about symptoms early so pain relief, mouth care, and nutrition support can be adjusted.

Follow the mouth-care routine provided by your treatment centre. A soft toothbrush, gentle cleaning, and prescribed rinses can help keep the mouth clean without adding irritation. Avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol unless your team specifically recommends one.

Choose soft, moist foods and cool or lukewarm drinks if these are easier. Spicy, acidic, rough, or very hot foods may sting. Sip fluids regularly and tell the team if pain medicine wears off before meals. A dietitian can suggest ways to maintain nutrition when chewing or swallowing is difficult.

Contact your cancer team promptly if you cannot drink enough, cannot swallow medicines, have pain that is not controlled, or notice bleeding from the mouth. Fever, chills, marked drowsiness, very dark urine, or passing much less urine also require urgent advice because infection or dehydration may be developing. Breathing difficulty requires emergency help.

Before treatment, ask whether the radiation field includes your mouth or throat and whether you need a dental assessment. Clarify which rinse to use, how to time pain relief around meals, what foods are suitable, and which contact number to use if swallowing becomes harder outside clinic hours.