Home > Services > Living with and beyond cancer > Managing physical consequences of cancer and cancer treatment > Mucositis (mouth or throat soreness and mouth ulcers)

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Mucositis is soreness and inflammation of the mouth or throat, it can be caused by cancer treatments. It can make eating and drinking uncomfortable, but there are treatments and self-care measures that can help while it heals.

You may notice:

  • A sore, red, or inflamed mouth
  • Mouth ulcers or white patches
  • A burning sensation
  • Pain when eating, drinking, or swallowing
  • Changes in taste
  • Dry mouth or thick, sticky saliva

Self-Management Tips

There are several things you can do to help reduce discomfort and protect your mouth:

  1. Keep your mouth clean

Brush your teeth or dentures gently with a soft toothbrush at least twice daily with a toothpaste containing fluoride.

Change your toothbrush every 3 months.

Leave your dentures steeping overnight as this can help keep your mouth clean.

Use a mild toothpaste if regular toothpaste stings.

Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, which can worsen dryness and irritation. Alternatively you can try a salt-water mouthwash by mixing one teaspoon of salt in one glass of tepid water. Remembering not to swallow it.

  1. Stay hydrated

Sip water regularly throughout the day.

Suck on ice or sugar-free ice lollies

  1. Choose soft and moist foods

Consider soft, moist foods such as yoghurt, porridge, soups, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.

Cut food into small pieces and chew slowly.

Add sauces, gravy, or custard to make foods easier to swallow.

Cold foods and drinks can be soothing to a sore mouth. Try adding crushed ice to drinks or eating ice cream. Please do not try this if you are on oxaliplatin.

  1. Avoid things that may irritate your mouth

Try to limit:

  • Spicy foods
  • Acidic foods and drinks such as citrus fruits and fruit juices
  • Rough or crunchy foods (e.g. toast, crisps)
  • Very hot foods and drinks
  • Smoking and alcohol

 

  1. General advice
  • Take simple painkillers. You can take 2 x 500mg paracetamol, up to 4 times a day. If you weigh less than 50kg (7 stone 8 pounds) only take 1 x 500mg paracetamol, up to 4 times a day.
  • Smoking can irritate your mouth and could make the soreness worse. Please speak to your local pharmacy, GP or cancer team if you would like support to stop smoking or call the National Quitline on 0800 169 0169.
  • Alcohol can irritate your mouth and could make the soreness worse. Consider reducing the amount of alcohol you drink. Please seek further support from you GP or cancer team if you need additional support.

When to contact your healthcare team

Seek advice if:

  • You are unable to eat or drink enough.
  • Mouth pain is severe or worsening.
  • You develop a fever or signs of infection.
  • You notice bleeding, significant swelling, or difficulty swallowing.
  • You are losing weight because eating is difficult.

Resources

This short film from Macmillan provides more information about managing mouth problems during cancer treatment