1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) 32 Ways to manage side effects Mouth and throat changes What they are and why they occur Some types of chemotherapy harm fast-growing cells, such as those that line your mouth, throat, and lips. This can affect your teeth, gums, the lining of your mouth, and the glands that make saliva. Most mouth problems go away a few days after chemotherapy is over. Mouth and throat problems may include: Î dry mouth Î changes in taste and smell, such as when food tastes like metal or chalk, has no taste, or does not taste or smell like it used to Î infections of your gums, teeth, or tongue Î increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods Î mouth sores Î trouble eating when your mouth gets very sore Ways to manage mouth and throat changes Visit a dentist at least two weeks before starting chemotherapy. It is important that your mouth is as healthy as possible, which means having all your dental work done before chemotherapy starts. If you cannot go to the dentist before chemotherapy starts, ask your doctor or nurse when it is safe to go. Be sure to tell your dentist that you have cancer and about your treatment plan. Check your mouth and tongue every day. By checking your mouth, you can see or feel problems (such as mouth sores, white spots, or infections) as soon as they start. Inform your doctor or nurse right away if you see any of these problems. Keep your mouth moist. You can keep your mouth moist by sipping water throughout the day, sucking on ice chips or sugar-free hard candy, or chewing sugar-free gum. Ask your doctor or nurse about saliva substitutes if your mouth is always dry.
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