All You Wanted to Know about Oral Mucositis/Stomatitis

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1 Published on: 1 Jun 2017 All You Wanted to Know about Oral Mucositis/Stomatitis What Is The Mucous Membrane? Mucous membrane refers to the inner lining that covers body cavities, including the respiratory tract (from the nose down into the lungs) and the gastrointestinal tract (from the mouth through the stomach and intestines). What Is Mucositis? Mucositis is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the surface of the mucous membrane. The most common condition is oral mucositis. What Is Oral Mucositis? Oral mucositis refers to the inflammation and ulceration that occurs in the mouth (mucous membrane of the mouth). What Is Stomatitis? Stomatitis includes mucositis as well as inflammatory conditions and infections of oral tissues, including the mucous membrane, dentition and periodontium (teeth and surrounding tissues). What Are The Problems Associated With Oral Mucositis/stomatitis? Pain, nutritional problems as a result of an inability to eat and an increased risk of infection due to open sores in the mucous membrane are the problems generally associated with oral mucositis. These problems interfere with further drug treatment. What Are The Causes Of Oral Mucositis/stomatitis?

2 Anti-cancer drugs and radiation are the most common causes of oral mucositis/ stomatitis. Other causes include loosefitting dental prosthetics, trauma, poor dental hygiene, infections (viral, fungal, and bacterial), dehydration, poor nutrition (vitamin B deficiency), medicines, chewing tobacco, smoking and alcohol. What Are The Common Symptoms Of Oral Mucositis/stomatitis? Common symptoms of oral mucositis/stomatitis due to any cause include the following: Red, shiny, or swollen mouth and gums or tongue Soreness or pain in the mouth or throat Sores in the mouth or on the gums or tongue Feeling of dryness, mild burning or pain when eating food

3 Difficulty swallowing or talking Soft, whitish patches or pus in the mouth or on the tongue Blood in the mouth Increased mucus or thicker saliva in the mouth Infections How Can You Prevent And Treat Oral Mucositis/stomatitis? Oral care is recommended to prevent and treat oral mucositis/stomatitis. Oral care considerations during cancer treatment include the following: Check for Symptoms Regularly Use a flashlight to look at the mouth, tongue, teeth, gums and lips at least once a day. Check for redness, swelling, sores, bleeding or white patches.

4 Keep the Teeth Clean Brush teeth after each meal and at bedtime. Use an extra soft toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. A child's tooth brush is small and may be easier to use when the mouth is sore. Allow the toothbrush to air-dry completely. Replace the toothbrush often. Gently floss the teeth. Stop flossing if the gums hurt or bleed. If the mouth is too sore to use a toothbrush, use a small piece of gauze or cotton swab soaked in salt water to clean the teeth and gums. Keep the Mouth Clean and Moist Rinse the mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Make a daily mouthwash at home by adding salt and/or baking soda (one- fourth to one teaspoon) to one cup of warm water. Rinse the mouth at least four to six times a day. Keep the rinse solution in the mouth for 30 seconds to keep the mouth moist and clean. If there are mouth sores, clean the mouth every 1 to 2 hours (also during the night if possible). Use a saliva substitute if needed. Keep the mouth moist by sipping water, sucking ice chips or chewing sugar-free gum during the day. Keep the Lips Moist Use a water-based lip moisturizer to protect the lips While Wearing Dentures Check that the dentures fit properly. In case of mucositis, wear the dentures only for meals. Remove and clean the dentures after each meal. Remove the dentures on experiencing discomfort. Do Not Use Any tobacco products (cigarettes, pipe cigars, snuff or chewing tobacco). Mouthwash containing alcohol. Lemon-glycerine swabs. Toothpicks or any other sharp objects to clean the teeth. Avoid Spicy foods (chillies, peppers, hot sauce, curry foods) Citrus and acidic foods (oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tomatoes) Crusty and rough foods (nuts, crackers, chips) Very hot fluids (soups) and caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea) Alcohol (liquor, beer, wine). Foods to Eat Eat a variety of soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow (ice cream, pudding, custard, yoghurt, milkshakes, mashed vegetables or other cooked cereals). Soften foods by using a blender or food processor, by using sauces or thin gravies, or by adding milk or soup to baked foods. Be sure that these foods are within the diet restrictions. Eat foods cold or at room temperature.

5 Drinks to Have Have at least 8 to 12 cups of non- caffeinated fluids each day (natural fruit and vegetable juices, water). Have high-calorie and high-protein liquid nutritional drinks as per your doctor's advice. While Dealing with Mouth Pain Try cold foods such as ice cream or ice chips after taking the doctor's advice. If the doctor has ordered a mouth rinse, lozenges or a saliva substitute, use them as directed. Talk with the doctor about medicines that can help relieve mouth pain and/or treat infected mouth sores. When Should You Call the Doctor? Temperature greater than F (38 C). Sores or ulcers in the mouth or on the lips that interfere with eating, drinking or sleeping. Pain or any sign of infection (e.g. tongue is heavily coated). Symptoms increasing in severity despite oral care. Do S And Don Ts Do s Brush teeth regularly with an extra-soft toothbrush Drink non-caffeinated fluids Eat moist and soft food Sip water often Don ts Eat hot, spicy, acidic food Eat rough and crusty food Smoke or chew tobacco Have alcohol and caffeinated beverages Always inform your doctor on experiencing unusual symptoms. Rating: Your rating: None Source URL: