Mouth Problems Caused by Chemotherapy and Radiation

Chemotherapy uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells or shrink the tumor. Radiation therapy or surgery affects only the target site. The effect of chemotherapy is overall and may affect healthy cells, resulting in various side effects.

In chemotherapy, various powerful drugs are used alone or combined with other therapies, such as surgery, radiation, or hormonal, to destroy cancer cells effectively.

Mouth sores are the cuts or ulcers that are seen on the oral mucosal lining, also called oral mucositis. 

• Chemotherapy sometimes destroys healthy cells, which may include the oral mucosa's healthy cells, resulting in various oral complications.
• Because the oral mucosal lining is very sensitive, high-beam rays used in radiation therapy may cause mouth sores.
• If the sores are caused by chemotherapy, they will heal in two to three weeks if the infection does not spread.
• If they are caused by radiation therapy, they will heal in six to eight weeks.

Symptoms of mouth sores

• Red or white patches
• Open sores
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Difficulty eating, swallowing, chewing, and talking
• Necrosis

If the mouth sores are not treated, they may result in dehydration, malnutrition, and other life-threatening problems.

Some mouth problems that are caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy:

• Bleeding gums: Platelet counts decrease as a result of chemo and radiation therapy. Platelets are blood cells that help clot blood. Decreased platelet count may lead to increased bleeding, particularly in the gums.
• Dry mouth or xerostomia: A dry mouth or xerostomia is caused by decreased salivary flow. The decreased salivation may result in tooth decay and gum problems. Eventually, it results in tooth loss.
• Infections: The reduction in white blood cells may increase the risk of viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. The infections begin in the oral cavity, pass through the bloodstream, and may affect other organs.
• Difficulty swallowing: Oral ulcers may cause pain and a burning sensation in the throat.
• Loss of taste: Loss of taste is one of the most common symptoms followed by cancer treatments.
• Pain: Almost all oral problems are associated with pain.

If any mouth problems are noticed, immediately consult your dentist for treatment.

The treatment options include:

• Oral rinses: Your dentist may advise mouth rinses for mouth sores. They may soothe the sores and alleviate pain.
• Pain medications: Treat pain caused by dental problems.
• Medications: Antibiotics, antiviral, and antifungal are used to treat infections caused by chemo and radiotherapy. A few oral gels and medicines to increase the saliva could be prescribed to prevent mouth sores, tooth decay, and gum problems.

Some tips to prevent mouth problems caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy include:

1. Chew ice cubes to relieve pain caused by mouth sores
2. Avoid hot and spicy foods
3. Avoid smoking
4. Follow good oral hygiene
5. Eat fruits and vegetables that promote good health
6. Uses oral rinses