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Knowledge Center

Treating Oral Mucositis

Oral Mucositis.jpg

Mucositis is an oral complication that causes ulcerated, inflamed tissue of the mucous membranes that can be very painful and debilitating for the oncology patient. Symptoms of oral mucositis include:

  • Severe inflammation of the gums and oral tissue making it difficult to eat or drink
  • Ulcerations on the gums, tongue or cheek that become infected easily
  • Gums that bleed after brushing, flossing, eating, or from any type of stimuli
  • Pain tolerance becomes very low (pain when eating, brushing, drinking or talking)
  • Difficulty swallowing without pain
  • Constant chronic pain and swelling of the oral tissues, especially during the hours of sleep or rest
  • Dry mouth that can complicate and accelerate other oral conditions

WHO DEVELOPS ORAL MUCOSITIS:

  • 15% of all patients receiving any type of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • 35-45% of patients receiving conventional chemotherapy
  • 85% of all patients receiving conventional gamma ray therapy to head and neck
  • 100% of patients receiving chemotherapy and gamma ray therapy for head and neck

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS DURING HEAD AND NECK CHEMOTHERAPY AND GAMMA RAY THERAPY

  • Alteration in Taste Perception- Continue to eat the proper foods if this occurs
  • Inflamed Oral Tissues- Practicing excellent oral hygiene can help prevent more complications. Rinsing the tissue in Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse will help prevent the inflamed tissue from ulceration and tissue sloughing.
  • Restricted Jaw Movement- Consult a dental professional on the proper jaw exercises that may help this problem.
  • Difficulty Swallowing- Try soft bland foods and liquids, they may be easier to swallow. Sucking on ice chips, popsicles or sugarless candy may help. Always try to drink plenty of liquids. If this condition becomes severe, consult your physician.
  • Earaches- This is usually caused by hardening of ear wax during treatment, it may be easy to confuse this with dental pain. Keeping the ear clean before cancer treatment and during the treatment can help this condition.
  • Nausea- Try to continue eating. Eating small amounts more often may help.
  • Changes in the skin under your chin and lower jaw in the lymph gland area- Vitamin E or multi-vitamin oils may help relieve this condition. Consult your physician or nurse on the proper procedure to use.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE PATIENT USE A VERY SOFT TOOTHBRUSH AND PREVENTION ONCOLOGY MOUTH RINSE 3-4 TIMES A DAY TO HELP PREVENT ORAL LESIONS FROM ERUPTING DURING TREATMENT.

Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse is designed to maintain and improve the oral health of patients receiving cancer treatment by establishing and maintaining a balanced oral bacterial environment. It helps to heal ulcerations and it contains natural glycerin, menthol and peppermint crystals to soothe dry mouth. Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse is bacterial selective (it does not kill good bacteria) as it helps control fungi, viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse is effective against Candida Albicans and thrush (which is common with patients on multiple medications).

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED AND TREAT ORAL MUCOSITIS?

  • It severely reduces the quality of life during your treatment
  • It makes you more susceptible to infection
  • It can dramatically affect the prognosis of your chemotherapy and radiation therapy
  • It can cause a disruption in your treatment and increase the length of treatment
  • It can dramatically increase your mortality risk (as much as 4 times)
  • It can cause you to severely change and alter your eating and drinking, causing a potential nutritional imbalance
  • It can cause additional systemic disorders that require medical treatment
  • It can cause additional hospitalization

You may use Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse 3-4 times per day, seven-fourteen days prior to the start of treatment to help prevent and/or reduce mucositis, the earlier the treatment the better. After treatment has begun Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse can be used four to six times daily, should oral conditions necessitate you may increase usage. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions.

TIPS TO HELP PREVENT ORAL MUCOSITIS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION THERAPY

  • Start using Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse 7-14 days before you start your chemotherapy and radiation therapy
  • Make sure all dental disease and cavities are treated prior to treatment
  • Maintain good daily oral hygiene
  • Make sure you maintain good daily nutrition prior to and during your treatment. Talk with your oncology team on this issue.
  • Make sure you get sufficient daily fluid intake. Consult with your oncology team for the proper daily requirements and try to meet your daily requirements
  • Work to maintain a daily positive attitude. This does have an impact on your health and the body’s ability to heal
  • Discuss your daily oral hygiene requirements with your mate and family. If you need their help to maintain your oral health, ask for their help
  • Good general health starts with good oral health. Remember “An ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure”

Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse is an over the counter product that is easy to use, safe for all ages, and is cost effective.

Prevention Oncology Mouth Rinse comes in a 1oz, 4 oz, 8 oz and 16 oz size and is available at www.preventionlabs.com as well as Walgreens and all fine stores.