Natural Treatment for Mouth Sores from Chemotherapy

Undergoing chemotherapy is both physically and emotionally demanding. The physical side effects can be exhausting and uncomfortable. Mouth sores from chemotherapy are the most common side effect experienced by patients, because chemical therapy decreases the white blood cell count leaving the body more susceptible to infection. These mouth ulcers occur as a result of the decrease in the body’s ability to replace the cells of the mucous lining at a normal rate. During chemotherapy the body’s natural process of dividing and reproducing cells is altered. Because both cancerous and healthy cells are affected, oral tissue can become damaged. These painful oral sores and infections can make simple activities like eating or even talking very difficult. The best treatment for mouth sores from chemotherapy involves frequent self-inspections, regular communication with a dental professional and a good oral care routine with alcohol and chemical free natural products.

Why use natural toothpastes and mouth rinses?

One of the most important changes to make when beginning chemotherapy treatment is to choose oral care products that are as gentle as they are effective. Ingredients such as alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which are found in most commercial brand toothpastes and mouthwashes, can be too harsh on oral tissue that is at a heightened risk for mouth ulcers and infection. Chemotherapy reduces the amount of saliva, and because saliva is critical in protecting teeth and keeping the mouth clean, inadequate production increases the chance of developing cavities and periodontal disease. The drying properties of alcohol exacerbate dry mouth, and products containing alcohol should be avoided during treatment. In addition, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has been identified as a possible trigger for mouth ulcers—especially in those already prone to them.1 For this reason, it is also advisable not to use toothpastes and mouth rinses that have SLS as an additive.

Regular oral care products might keep your mouth clean, but when your immune system is compromised, using natural alternatives to alleviate discomfort, prevent infection, and control halitosis is essential. A toothpaste and mouth rinse containing essential oils is the best choice when trying to combat uncomfortable side effects from chemotherapy. Natural oral care products offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties—all of which are advantageous during chemotherapy.

The fungal infection oral thrush is commonly diagnosed in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Caused by an overgrowth of yeast, thrush usually appears as white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks, although it can also show up on the roof of the mouth and gums. While thrush can be treated with medication, there are potentially negative side effects associated with many of these medications. While undergoing chemotherapy, it is important to seek treatments that won’t cause additional or unnecessary complications.

Truly Natural® Ingredients

Lavender

A soothing essential oil that helps heal damaged tissue.

Studies have shown that the essential oils of peppermint and lavender contain powerful anti-fungal properties that help to eliminate oral yeast infections.2 Both are prized for their antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits. These two essential oils play a fundamental role in Dental Herb Company’s formula. This powerful, Truly Natural® family of antimicrobial oral care products is comprised of : Tooth & Gums Tonic®, Tooth & Gums Essentials® Toothpaste, PerioSpot Gel®, Under the Gums Irrigant®, and Tooth & Gums Spritz®. Each product is made from a combination of five essential oils (red thyme, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint) and two herbal extracts (echinacea and gotu kola) which work together synergistically to help prevent periodontal disease and maintain a balanced and healthy oral environment.

Good oral health care during chemotherapy is crucial to ensure that teeth and gums remain healthy throughout treatment. Choosing the right products can help make a difference. When looking for a mouth rinse for chemotherapy or toothpaste for chemotherapy, consider high-quality products from Dental Herb Company, now available for purchase online.

References:

  1. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Canker Sore Causes.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, n.d. Web. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canker-sore/DS00354/DSECTION=causes>.
  2. HY, Kang, Na SS, and Kim YK. “Effects of Oral Care with Essential Oil on Improvement in Oral Health Status of Hospice Patients.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20820114>.

Mouth Sores from Chemotherapy

The side effects of chemotherapy can be emotionally uncomfortable and physically draining. When it comes to oral care during chemotherapy, alcohol-free toothpaste and mouth rinse products from Dental Herb Company provide soothing relief from mouth sores, help rebuild damaged tissue, and create an inhospitable environment for bacterial growth. Oral sores from chemotherapy result from chemo’s efficacy in killing rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. While beneficial when it comes to destroying cancer cells, this process can wreak havoc on cells lining the mouth. Once cells are damaged and natural immunity is weakened, the risk of developing painful oral sores increases substantially.

Mouth sores from chemo can appear on any of the soft tissues that line the mouth, as well as on the lips, tongue and esophagus. In severe cases they can impair an individual’s ability to eat, talk, swallow and breathe. The good news is there are some simple steps patients can take to help avoid or relieve the discomfort of mouth sores.

How to Reduce The Risk of Developing Mouth Sores from Chemotherapy

Mouth sores from chemotherapy generally develop a few days after the start of treatment and disappear within a few weeks of stopping, but since chemo often lasts several months, it’s important for patients to boost and strengthen oral health as soon as possible. Reduce the risk of developing mouth sores before starting treatment by doing the following:

  • Visit the dentist to check your teeth and gums for potential issues that may worsen and/or cause pain during chemotherapy.
  • Develop an effective mouth care routine. Your dentist can recommend the right toothbrush, toothpaste,  and mouth rinse that will address a chemo patient’s special needs.
  • Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol; they will exacerbate oral irritation and further dry out the mucous membranes of the mouth.
  • Eat an antioxidant-rich diet (plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables) that will help to boost your immune system.
  • Quit smoking. It’s critical to good oral health under normal circumstances, and even more so during chemotherapy.

How to Treat Mouth Sores from Chemo During Treatment

If mouth sores erupt during chemotherapy, effective treatment for minimizing the pain includes:

  • Choose foods carefully. Limit the amount of alcohol consumed and avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, sharp, crunchy and overly hot or cold. Soft foods are easiest to eat and the most gentle on sensitive mouths.
  • Use topical painkillers and/or coating agents recommended by a doctor. These may be beneficial in numbing the intensity of mouth pain.

When it comes to treating mouth sores from chemo, choosing the right oral care products can help. Oral care products that are non-irritating and have excellent tissue building and antimicrobial properties can make a difference. The family of highly effective antimicrobial products from Dental Herb Company are formulated to rebuild and condition connective tissue and promote good oral health. These Truly Natural® solutions are made with precisely calculated proportions of pure essential oils that work synergistically with alcohol-free extracts of organically grown herbs to reduce oral bacteria and help maintain healthy teeth and gums—ideal for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Pure essential oil of lavender and vegetable glycerin, both of which are used in all our products, are particularly soothing agents for those suffering from painful mouth sores.

Truly Natural® Ingredients

Thyme

An essential oil that has powerful antiseptic properties.

The proven formula developed and used by Dental Herb Company is a combination of seven different essential oils that work together to enhance optimal oral health. Red Thyme has powerful antimicrobial and immunostimulating properties. Cinnamon Bark is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Lavender enhances circulation and tissue rebuilding. Peppermint encourages wound healing and reduces the temperature of infected and inflamed tissue. Eucalyptus assists in tissue conditioning, while echinacea helps to maintain the structure of the connective tissue. Lastly, gotu kola increases blood vessel formation within the connective tissues.

The choice of oral care products can make a difference for people who are undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing increased sensitivity and heightened susceptibility to infection and tissue damage in the mouth. Talk to your dentist about using Dental Herb Company’s products throughout the treatment process.

When looking for a gentle and effective toothpaste or mouth rinse before, during or following chemotherapy, consider Truly Natural® professional strength, alcohol-free products from Dental Herb Company, now available for purchase online.