Mouth health and cancer treatment

Some cancer treatments affect the mouth. Learn how to manage these changes and care for your oral health before, during, and after treatment.

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How cancer treatment affects the mouth

Discover how cancer treatments affect your mouth and get effective care tips for during and after treatment.

Oral side effects caused by cancer treatments

Find out how cancer treatment affects oral health, including mouth sores, dry mouth, thrush, and gum issues.

Mouth care during and after treatment

Get essential mouth care tips for during and after cancer treatment to maintain oral health and comfort.

Questions for your doctorYou may find this checklist helpful when thinking about the questions you want to ask your doctor.

Will cancer treatment affect my mouth?
How should I clean my mouth while on treatment?
Do I need to visit the dentist?
Are there any food or drinks I should avoid?
What products can I use for dry mouth or mouth sores?

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This information was last updated in June 2025. See who reviewed this content.

Dr Sophie Beaumont, Head of Dental Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Teresa Brown, Assistant Director Dietetics, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, QLD; Ken Colbert, Consumer; Sarah Davies, Head and Neck Nurse Practitioner, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Dr Adrian DeAngelis, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Royal Melbourne Hospital and OMFS, VIC; Tess Dunlop, Speech Pathologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Elizabeth Egan, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Oncology, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Alan Harding, Consumer; Dr Michelle Kang, Oral Medicine Specialist, Sydney Oral Medicine, Sydney and Hunter New England Local Health Districts, NSW; Julie McGirr, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Amy O’Halloran on behalf of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Dietetics Team, NSW; Megan Sanders, Clinical Dietitian, Head and Neck Services, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC.

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