Oral Problems Caused by Radiation Therapy

Oral Problems Caused by Radiation Therapy


Mouth and Throat Pain
Mouth sores, gum pain, or soreness in the throat or esophagus are often caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or infections.
If you experience pain in your mouth or gums, inform your doctor so they can determine whether it is a side effect of treatment or a dental issue. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve mouth and throat pain, and your dentist can give you advice on oral care.
Certain foods can irritate sore areas and make chewing or swallowing difficult. Proper oral, dental, and gum care — along with choosing foods that are easier to eat — can help make eating more comfortable.


Here are some helpful tips:
Try soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as:
• Milkshakes
• Bananas, applesauce, and other pureed fruits
• Peaches, pears, or almond jelly
• Watermelon
• Cottage cheese and yogurt
• Mashed potatoes and noodles
• Cream or pudding
• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal or other cooked cereals
• Mashed vegetables, such as peas or potatoes
•  Avoid foods or drinks that may irritate your mouth, including: grapefruit, lemon, and other citrus fruits or juices, tomato sauce or juice, spicy or salty foods, raw vegetables, toast, salty crackers, or other dry and coarse foods, mouthwashes that contain alcohol
• Cut food into small pieces and cook it until soft
• Use a blender or food processor to puree solid foods
• Mix foods with butter, margarine, gravy, or sauces to make swallowing easier
• Use a straw for drinking liquids
• Use a smaller spoon (such as a baby spoon)
• Eat food at room temperature — hot foods can irritate your mouth and throat
• Sip warm broth or soups to soothe throat pain
• Suck on ice chips to reduce discomfort
• If your teeth or gums hurt, ask your dentist about products that can protect them
• Rinse your mouth frequently with water to remove food particles and bacteria and promote healing
• Ask your doctor about numbing lozenges or sprays that can reduce pain and help you eat more comfortably


Dry Mouth
Radiation or chemotherapy to the head and neck can reduce saliva production, causing dry mouth. This can make chewing and swallowing difficult, and may also change how food tastes. Some of the methods used to relieve mouth or throat pain may also help with dryness.


Here are some suggestions to relieve dry mouth:
• Take small sips of water every few minutes to keep your mouth moist — consider carrying a water bottle with you
• Try sweet or sour foods and drinks (like lemonade) to stimulate saliva production (avoid if you have mouth or throat pain)
• Suck on hard candy, popsicles, or chew sugar-free gum to help produce saliva
• Choose soft, moist foods or foods pureed in a blender
• Use lip balm to keep your lips from drying out
• Add sauces, gravies, or salad dressings to your food to make it easier to swallow
• If dry mouth becomes severe, ask your doctor or dentist about products that can help — such as artificial saliva or oral moisturizers that coat and protect your mouth and throat


Teeth and Gum Problems
Cancer and cancer treatments can lead to dental and gum issues, such as cavities. Radiation can affect your salivary glands, causing dryness and increasing the risk of tooth decay. Your doctor and dentist will check your dental condition before radiation therapy and help address any issues early.
If you eat sweets, you may need to brush your teeth more often — ideally after every meal or snack.

Other ways to prevent dental problems:
• Inform your doctor about any dental issues you have
• Visit your dentist regularly. Patients receiving head and neck radiation often need more frequent dental check-ups
• Use a soft toothbrush; if your gums are sensitive, ask your dentist which type is best
• Rinse your mouth with warm water if your gums or mouth are sore
• If you eat sugary foods that stick to your teeth, brush or rinse your mouth afterward.
Alternatively, choose sugar-free foods (such as those containing sorbitol). Be aware that some sugar substitutes can cause diarrhea — check labels and limit intake if this is an issue.


Changes in Taste and Smell
During treatment, your sense of taste and smell may change. It’s important to eat high-protein foods even if things don’t taste the same.
Changes in taste can be caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or the cancer itself — and sometimes by dental issues. For many patients, these changes gradually improve after treatment ends.


Since everyone responds differently, there is no single way to prevent taste or smell changes, but these tips may help:
• Choose and prepare foods that look and smell appealing to increase appetite
• If red meat (like beef) tastes or smells unpleasant, try chicken, turkey, eggs, dairy products, or mild-tasting fish
• Marinate meats, poultry, or fish in sweet juices, wines, or sauces to improve flavor
• Try using small amounts of herbs or spices, such as rosemary, to enhance taste
• Acidic foods such as oranges or lemonade can make food taste better, and mustard or lemon sauces can add flavor while boosting calories and protein (avoid acidic foods if you have mouth sores or pain)
• Add bacon, ham, or onions to vegetables to improve their taste
• Ask your dentist to check for any dental issues that may affect taste or smell
• Consult your doctor or dentist about using special mouth rinses and maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment