How to cure mouth sores from chemo?

So you’re going through chemo and now you’ve got mouth sores? Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help make them disappear faster than a magician’s rabbit.

The Bitter Truth About Mouth Sores

Mouth sores are one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy – like that annoying friend who always shows up uninvited. Unfortunately, they can also be painful little buggers that feel like tiny hot coals in your mouth.

What causes it?

Before we get into the good stuff on how to cure these suckers, let’s talk about what actually causes them. Chemotherapy kills all rapidly dividing cells in the body, including healthy ones (thanks for nothing). When this happens in your mouth, it affects the lining of your cheeks, tongue and gums; making them become inflamed which leads to those pesky ulcers appearing.

Let’s Talk Remedies

Use A Magic Gentle Toothbrush

Brushing while you have mouth sores is like walking on Lego barefoot – incredibly painful…but unfortunately still very necessary. For a gentler cleaning option try switching out your regular toothbrush with an ultra-soft brush made specifically in Japan called Binchotan charcoal brushes (we know what you’re thinking… no they’re not created from burps from smoking BBQ’d beef brisket).

Rinse & Repeat

Rinsing with saline water or baking soda several times a day is like liquid gold for easing soreness by reducing inflammation until the wounds heal. Be careful not to swish too hard! While saltwater doesn’t taste amazing_,_ adding crushed ice may fight off burning sensations leaving behind only cool relief.

Use lukewarm water as using extreme temperatures may cause further damage/the risk of infection.
You should see improvements after several days but if not, then it’s a good idea to play doctor’s visits or do telemedicine appointment to seek further medical attention.

Avoid the ‘’Funk Foods’

Strictly prohibited foods while havings sores include acidy foods such tomatoes, oranges & limes, spices and anything else on the yummily longer-than-your-arm forbidden list. Just think like you’re about to perform surgery in your mouth so it needs some real tender lovin’ care for faster recovery (sorry no burritos).

Soft Landing Only

Chips of any kind may make this time appear even weaker than usual (R.I.P. nachos) , yet softer foods are easier and gentler on your mouth sores. Anyone up for mashed potatoes? Plain baked fish? Smoothies?
Hmmm sounds boring but that’a whole-wheat bread with scrambled eggs won’t have your taste buds jumping for joyful cartwheels considering nothing beats grandma’s homemade pizza.

Try these soft food options:

  • Apple sauce
  • Avocado
  • Pasta in Alfredo sauce (that stuff IS basically just cheese)
  • Ripened bananas

Don’t be fooled by their naivety though – they still pack major nutritional values, vitamins and minerals that’ll help boost your immune system as well!

Magic Num Nums

Your doctor may prescribe certain numbing gels made specifically – sorry amateur kitchen chemist – provide relief from those fiery little creatures taking residence inside your mouth! Some pharmacies carry miracle lozenges compounded medicines which melt down slowly.
Just remember not to use milk of magnesia unless you plan on drinking after administering because if left inside tends towards creating slippery swimming pools in mouths!

Tips To Keep In Mind

It sucks dealing with mouth sores during chemo treatment – there’s no denying this fact however we’ve got a few extra tips/pieces of advice including:

  • Drink lots of fluids to keep your mouth moistened – dehydration can lead to even more pain
  • Skip spicy foods altogether until you’ve recovered
  • Brush and floss gently, with a soft toothbrush and avoid harsh rinses.
  • Don’t smoke or use products with strong chemical components like alcohol-based mouthwashes

It’s Time To Say ‘’Good Bye” Mouth Sores!

While there isn’t an absolute cure for chemotherapy-induced mouths sores (oh come on ) , these remedies could make the burning sensation lessen quicker than expected. Ultimately make sure you’re doing what’s best for YOU by always conversing effectively with trained medical professionals. There may be options that are better suited based on individual differences in each person’s body. Whether it be via Zoom, email or telemedicine – finding solutions catered towards easing any discomfort will never go unnoticed!

See ya later alligator!

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