Mouth problems

Mouth sores and ulcers

Dry mouth

• Rinse your mouth often – when you wake up, after you eat, and at bedtime. Ask your doctor or nurse what alcohol-free mouthwash to use. They may suggest a homemade mouthwash or a specific mouthwash to help with mouth ulcers.
• Talk to your doctor and nurse about medicines to relieve pain and help with healing.
• Use a soft toothbrush and replace it often to reduce the risk of infections. Brush gently after meals and before bed. If brushing is too painful, try using a water flosser on a low setting.
• Suck on ice cubes.
• Avoid rough, crunchy or dry foods (e.g. chips, toast), vinegar, spices, salty foods, alcohol, very hot or cold things, and citrus, tangy or tomato-based food or juice.
• Use a lip balm for moist lips.
• Tell your doctor, dietitian or speech pathologist if it is hard for you to swallow.

• Ask your dentist about an oral care plan and have regular check-ups.
• Carry a water bottle and have regular sips throughout the day.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine (these can be dehydrating) and avoid smoking.
• Chew sugar-free gum to help the flow of saliva.
• Put lanolin on your lips (but avoid products containing petroleum).
• Soften food by dipping it into milk or soup, or moisten it with gravy, sauce, cream or custard.
• Drink fluids with meals to help soften the food and make it easier to swallow.
• Acupuncture may help to improve dry mouth. Talk to your doctor before trying it.
• Use artificial saliva, dry mouth gels or lubricating agents from the chemist. Swirl grapeseed oil in your mouth and then spit it out.