Does nutrition support in cancer treat oral mucositis?

Oral mucositis is inflammation and soreness inside the mouth that can develop during some cancer treatments. Pain, ulcers, dry mouth or changes in taste may make chewing and swallowing harder. Nutrition support focuses on helping you keep taking in fluids and nutrients despite these changes. It may involve a dietitian, adjustments to food texture, oral nutrition drinks, or another plan suited to your treatment and symptoms.

This support addresses the effects of eating less; it is not a replacement for the mouth care, pain relief or treatment changes your cancer team may recommend. Your plan can change as the mouth heals or as treatment continues.

Tell your oncology team as soon as mouth pain or sores begin affecting meals, drinks or medicines. A dietitian can suggest softer, moist foods and suitable drinks while avoiding textures, temperatures or flavours that irritate your mouth. Small, frequent sips and meals may be easier than trying to finish a large meal. Follow the mouth-care instructions supplied by your treatment team, and do not start supplements or change your diet substantially without checking that they fit your treatment.

Contact your cancer team promptly if mouth pain, ulcers or swelling are worsening, or if you cannot drink enough, eat, swallow medicines or speak comfortably. Ask how to reach the team urgently if you develop bleeding that does not settle, fever, signs of dehydration such as very dark urine or dizziness, or breathing difficulty. These problems may need assessment and a change to your symptom or nutrition plan.

Ask which foods and drinks are least irritating for your current symptoms, whether an oral nutrition drink is appropriate, and how much fluid you should aim to take. You can also ask which mouth-care products are suitable, how pain relief should be timed around meals, and who to contact if swallowing becomes difficult.