Tips to Chew on for Mouth Sores during Cancer Treatment

Mouth and dental problems are one of the most frequent side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatment…and one of the most painful and upsetting. Your oncology team should work closely with your dentist to form a comprehensive treatment plan to manage pain and assist healing. But sometimes you have to think beyond traditional topical remedies. Nutrition supports mouth health too, and here are a few lesser-known tips from experts:

1. Supplement yourself: “Oral care is supported with supplements of CoQ10, Spirulina, and Blue Green Algae. Since the mouth is a primary element in the digestive system I also recommend castor oil packs on the abdomen to increase assimilation and absorption of nutritive products. It will increase the functions of the white blood and red blood cells.” – Dr. Valerie Simonsen

Think outside of the (cereal) box: “Mucilage is a substance found in plants and simply works as a lubricant. Porridge [oatmeal] is rich in mucilage and a food to bear in mind for mouth dryness. Cook oats properly in a pan on the stove on low heat, with plenty of milk/water until the porridge is soft and runny.” – Dr. Magali Chohan

Healthy Mouth Diet: “Start eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Eliminate high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated fats. Lean toward a Mediterranean diet. Start a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement, and take omega-3 fish oil caps, but check with your MD especially if on blood thinners. Try DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) lozenges for mouth sores.” – Dr. Gregg Schneider

Always check in with your medical team before introducing any new foods or supplements into your diet.

Advice from Drs. Valerie Simonsen, Magali Chohan and Gregg Schneider

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