Coping With Chemotherapy Induced Mouth Sores What Can I Do to Make My Mouth Sores Less Painful?
Mouth sores can be a nuisance during chemotherapy; not only due to the discomfort they cause, but also from the limitations they can pose on eating, and sometimes even talking. Thankfully, an awareness of things that can either ease or worsen mouth sores can help make this common side effect tolerable for many people. Why Does Chemotherapy Cause Mouth Sores ? Since chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells, it can also affect the rapidly dividing cells lining the mouth. Chemotherapy may also affect the production of saliva, and alter the normal bacteria present in the mouth, making infections more likely. Symptoms Related to Chemotherapy Induced Mouth Sores Inflammation of mucous membranes in the mouth, sometimes referred to as stomatitis or mucositis, often begin a few days after starting chemotherapy and can last for several weeks. Radiati
