The loss of appetite is common when undergoing cancer treatment, particularly if you get a common side effect called
oral mucositis that causes mouth sores. To ensure proper nutrition to help you heal, you need to find non-irritating foods that you can eat even if you have mouth sores. Show
This article explains why mouth sores occur in people
undergoing cancer treatment. It also lists the types of food you can and cannot eat—as well as the way to eat—to better cope with treatment-induced oral mucositis. Oscar Wong / Getty Images How Cancer Treatment Causes Mouth SoresOver 40% of people undergoing certain cancer treatments will develop oral mucositis. It is most commonly associated with chemotherapy but can also occur with radiation therapy to the head or neck. Oral mucositis is an especially common occurrence when exposed to the chemotherapy drugs 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or Evomela (melphalan). Other chemotherapy drugs can do the same. Treatment-induced oral mucositis is the result of the following processes:
The sores can often be extremely painful, making it difficult to eat, talk, and swallow. The sores may even extend into the esophagus that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Foods to Eat If You Have MucositisGenerally speaking, you will want to eat foods that are soft, non-acidic, non-spicy, and not overly hot if you have oral mucositis. The less you have to chew, the better. Among the foods recommended for people struggling with oral mucositis are:
Food to Avoid There are certain foods that can aggravate mouth sores and make the pain worse. Even before starting cancer treatment, take heed of the types of food you should avoid, including:
How to Eat if You Have Oral MucositisOral mucositis can be difficult to avoid when undergoing cancer treatment. Still, there are things you can do to get the nutrition you need without worsening the pain. This not only involves the types of food you eat but also the way that you eat. Among some of the more helpful tips:
Nutritional GoalsIt is important to maintain balanced nutrition each day. To do so, you need to eat:
Coping with Oral MucositisIn addition to being mindful of what and how you eat, the following can also help you manage mouth sore pain if you have oral mucositis:
How to Deal With Dry MouthIn addition to mouth sores, radiation treatment can cause dry mouth (xerostomia). If you are experiencing dry mouth in addition to mouth sores, try the following to help keep the moisture levels up:
SummaryMouth sores are a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation. They can make it difficult to eat, drink, and swallow. You can relieve the pain with things like ice chips, Magic Mouthwash, numbing sprays, and eating smaller, more frequent meals. The foods you eat can also make a big difference. Choose foods that are soft, well-cooked, cold, or pureed. Avoid spicy, hot, salty, acidic, or crunchy foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol. A Word From VerywellPreparation almost always makes cancer treatment easier. Before you even start chemotherapy or radiation, ask your cancer specialist or care team about their recommendations for managing mouth sores. If mouth sores are undermining your nutrition or quality of life, let your doctor know. In severe cases, a medication called Kepivance (palifermin) can be prescribed. Delivered intravenously (into a vein), Kepivance stimulates the growth of mucosal tissues and helps reduce the size and pain of mouth sores. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Suzanne Dixon, MPH, RD Thanks for your feedback! What is the fastest way to cure a mouth ulcer?A pharmacist can recommend a treatment to speed up healing, prevent infection or reduce pain, such as:. antimicrobial mouthwash.. a painkilling tablet, mouthwash, gel or spray.. corticosteroid lozenges.. a salt (saline) mouthwash.. What drinks help mouth ulcers?Chew four to five leaves of holy basil (tulsi) and drink water. This helps to cure mouth ulcers. Boil fenugreek (methi) leaves in some water. Take out the leaves and gargle the mouth with this water two to three times day.
What should you not drink with mouth ulcers?Avoid foods and drinks that make mouth sores worse. o Avoid citrus fruits and juices, salty or spicy foods, and acidic foods like tomatoes. o Do not drink carbonated or caffeinated drinks. o Refrain from having beer, wine, liquor, or any other type of alcohol.
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