Chemotherapy, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and infection may lead to mouth sores, tender gums, and sore throat.
How to ease side effects of a sore mouth
Some foods irritate an already sore mouth, and chewing and swallowing becomes a problem.
Ideas to lessen or overcome problems caused by a sore mouth, tender gums, or sore throat
- Rinse every two waking hours with a salt-water solution of 1-teaspoon salt and ΒΌ teaspoon baking soda mixed into 1 quart of tepid tap water to remove food and bacteria and promote healing. This rinsing is vital to help the soreness.
- Ask the doctor about medication to lessen the pain.
- Eat soft, well cooked, and easy to chew foods; i.e., milk shakes, cottage cheese, yogurt, pudding, fruit nectars, bananas, applesauce, mashed vegetables, macaroni and cheese.
- Blend food/soft meat, fish, poultry.
- Add butter, gravy or sauce to aid in swallowing.
- Avoid acidic foods and beverages.
- Avoid spicy or salty foods.
- Avoid carbonated beverages and alcohol.
- Avoid rough, coarse or dry foods; i.e., crackers, pretzels, raw vegetables.
- Choose cool or room temperature foods.
- Soak a soft bristled toothbrush in hot water for 5 minutes before brushing.