Sore Mouth and Tongue

Sometimes cancer treatment can affect the lining of the mouth which can cause the mouth and tongue to become sore or dry. Some people may develop ulcers as a result of their treatment. It is very important that you deal with these types of problems straight away to prevent you from getting a mouth infection. It is also important to keep your mouth healthy as a sore mouth can affect your ability to eat, drink and speak comfortably.

Medication

If you have been prescribed a mouthwash or gel (such as Corsodyl or Gelclair), you should use this as directed by your hospital medical team or as advised on the packaging. Start using the mouthwash or gel as soon as you first feel you have a sore or dry mouth.

You may find that your teeth discolour slightly if you use mouthwash over a long period of time. This is nothing to worry about though as your teeth will return to their normal colour once you stop using the mouthwash.

If you have a sore or dry mouth but haven’t been prescribed a mouthwash, Corsodyl can also be bought without a prescription as can Difflam. Use the mouthwash as directed by the pharmacist or as advised on the packaging. If the mouthwash doesn’t work or you have a persistent sore mouth please contact your hospital medical team for further advice.

Eating and Fluid Intake

The dietary advice on this page may not be applicable to you if you have diabetes, have had oral, stomach or bowel surgery or have difficulty chewing or swallowing.

When you have a sore or dry mouth you may find it difficult to eat and drink properly. Not eating and drinking properly can also cause a sore or dry mouth. It is therefore important to keep your mouth moist and healthy by trying to eat and drink as best you can.

Eating

You could try:

Soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow such as mashed potato, cottage cheese, macaroni cheese, shepherd’s pie, quiche, fish in sauce, stewed fruits, custard, milk puddings, ice cream, yoghurt and jelly.

Eating small frequent meals and snacks throughout the day as smaller portions may be easier to eat.

Adding gravies and sauces to your food to keep them moist whilst eating. This may help you to swallow the food more easily. You may like to try soups, mild curries, stews and casseroles if you find solid foods too difficult to eat.

Cold foods such as ice cream can be soothing to a sore mouth. Try sucking on ice chips to refresh your mouth. Pineapple chunks (either fresh or unsweetened tinned pineapple) or melon slices are also refreshing and can help to clean the mouth.

Chewing gum can help to stimulate saliva production.

Try to avoid:

Very hot or very cold (temperature) foods.

Hot spices, garlic, onion, vinegar and salty food as they may irritate or sting your mouth.

Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit.

Foods that are sharp, crunchy or rough textured (such as crisps, crusty bread, toast, dry biscuits, nuts and raw vegetables) as they can scrape or cut your mouth.

Pastry as it can stick to the roof of your mouth.

Fluid Intake

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids (ideally 2-3 litres a day) to keep yourself well hydrated.

You could try:

Drinking through a straw.

Cold drinks as they can be soothing to a sore mouth. Try adding crushed ice to drinks.

Having a drink during meals to help soften your food and help you to swallow it.

You may find citrus flavoured or fresh juices (such as orange and grapefruit juice) irritate the mouth. Try diluting them with water or try alternative less acidic flavours such as blackcurrant, apple or peach.

Try to avoid:

Very hot or very cold (temperature) drinks.

Alcohol and in particular neat spirits.