Mouth Sores with Cancer
Explanation | Treatment | Recommended foods | When to call the Dr.
What are mouth sores?
When your child refuses to eat or drink, has trouble swallowing, or says his mouth hurts or is sore, your child may have mouth sores. You may be able to see red, raw areas or bleeding from the gums, lips or the inside of the mouth.
Sometimes there will be visible sores. Mouth sores are a common side effect of some of the cancer treatment drugs your child may be receiving. The sores can change your child's usual eating habits and may lead to an infection.
Treatment
- Clean your child's mouth after meals and before going to bed using soft materials, such as toothettes or cotton swabs.
- Your child's doctor may recommend mouth rinse, such as nystatin or Peridex". The doctor will give you specific instructions for use of these mouth rinses.
- Keep your child's lips lubricated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline") to prevent cracking.
Recommended foods
- Serve your child soft and tender foods, such as pudding, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, casseroles or mashed potatoes.
- Cut foods into bite-sized pieces and moisten with broth, gravy or sauce.
- Encourage sipping of beverages that are soothing to your child.
Call your child's doctor if your child experiences:
- Mouth pain so severe he cannot eat or sleep.
- If your child has two temperatures of 100.4oF (38oC) or higher in a 12 hour period or a single fever of 101.4oF (38.6oC).
- Excessive bleeding from the sores.
Related Topics
Additional Resources Online
Rev. 3/07
