Cancer treatment and oral health
Some cancer treatments can cause side effects that affect the mouth area. Not everyone will experience these side effects, and most changes gradually improve after treatment. In some cases, they may be permanent and need long-term care.
Maintaining good oral health before, during and after treatment is important and can help protect your teeth, reduce discomfort, and help your mouth heal quicker.
Before starting treatment
Before you start treatment, visit your dental practitioner for a check-up and let them know you are about to start cancer treatment. They may plan for dental work before your treatment starts as it may not be recommended to have dental work during treatment. Your dental practitioner can also provide advice on how to care for your oral health during and after treatment.
Other steps you can take before treatment to help protect your oral health include quitting smoking and eating a well-balanced diet.
Commons oral health side effects
Cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, can cause side effects that affect your oral health. These can be short-term or long-lasting and your doctor will advise you how to manage them. These side effects can include:
- bleeding gums
- soreness, inflammation, or ulcers
- dry mouth
- mouth infections
- taste changes
- trouble swallowing and opening your mouth fully.
Learn more about the oral health side effects caused by cancer treatments.
Caring for your oral health during treatment
Here are some tips to help manage oral health side effects:
- Check your mouth, tongue and teeth daily, look for changes on the surface of your tongue, roof of your mouth and insides of your cheeks. Speak to your treatment team if you notice any changes to your mouth.
- Eat well-balanced, healthy meals and snacks. Try to limit snacks which are sugary and acidic. If you eat sugary or acidic snacks, rinse your mouth with a baking soda solution afterwards.
- Try a bicarbonate soda mouth-rinse by dissolving bicarbonate soda and salt in 1 cup of warm water. During treatment, use ¼ teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda and salt, once treatment is over you can increase it to ½ teaspoon. Mix well the solution well. Swish around your mouth, spit it out and then rinse your mouth with plain water. Make up a new solution daily.
- Avoid tobacco products and alcohol.
- Rinse your mouth several times a day, and after meals and snacks. Speak to your dental practitioner or health care team about alcohol-free mouthwashes you can use.
- Continue your daily oral hygiene by gently brushing your teeth twice a day. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. If your mouth is too sensitive for brushing, speak to your dental practitioner or health care team, they can suggest alternatives to standard toothbrushes.
- Speak to your dental practitioner or health care team about flossing. Flossing may not be recommended during treatment and they can give you other options.
- If you feel tightness or a restriction on opening your mouth, speak to your doctor or a speech pathologist who can provide you with information and exercises to help provide relief.
- Keep the appointment scheduled recommended by your dental practitioner.
Information and support
Cancer Council
The Cancer Council offers a range of support for people diagnosed with cancer, their families, carers and friends.
The Cancer Council 13 11 20 information and support line is a confidential service available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. The team can provide you with cancer information and information on support programs and services. Call 13 11 20 or use their webchat service.
More information
- The Cancer Council website has a suite of resources, including:
- Mouth health and cancer treatment
- Mouth health (cancer side effects)
- Nutrition and cancer