Mouth
Inflamed Mouth and Gums
Your mouth, gums become inflamed more easily. Reduced saliva production also causes overall dryness of the oral tissues and also increases your risk of developing tooth decay. I increased my visits to the dentist for check-ups and appointments with my dental hygienist (every 4 months) in order to minimize the risk of developing oral infections, inflamed gums, etc. Periodically I suffered from mouth sores. See your dental hygienist or dentist if you have recurring issues of this nature.
Recommendations
¼ teaspoon baking soda, ⅛ teaspoon salt in 1 cup of warm water; rinse often or gargle. Do not swallow for sore mouth, sore throat.
Use Biotene mouth rinse and chewing gum to help stimulate saliva.
Biotene toothpaste.
Use an ultra soft toothbrush. Allow the brush to dry out between brushings. Wash your toothbrush with a mild soap periodically and change your brush frequently.
Floss or use a small conical brush to clean in between your teeth regularly.
Periogard mouth rinse (chlorhexidine): use after meals and after cleaning teeth if you're undergoing chemotherapy.
Chewing a sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva.
Mouth Ulcers / Mucositis
Chemotherapies, as well as other treatment approaches, can cause these quite painful conditions and may keep you from eating. The second and third recommendations are first steps and are by prescription. Further aid is available, but you should see a physician / dentist / hygienist to manage these conditions.
Recommendations
Magic Swizzle Sticks from hospital pharmacy.
50% Kaopectate and 50% Benadryl: use as needed 10 minutes prior to eating to relieve oral pain.
2% Viscous Lidocaine and diprehydranine (Benedryl) elixir 12.5 mg and Maalox in three equal measures.
Taste Distortion Issues
Some treatment regimens can distort or cause strong flavors (ie metallic or bitter) that make eating or drinking a challenge. Taste distortion can become a real issue with staying hydrated. My targeted therapy periodically caused a strong and bitter quinine-like flavor that made drinking fluids distasteful. I suspect with certain therapies, this taste distortion can be more pronounced if you're even slightly dehydrated.
Recommendations
See suggestions listed under “Hydration.”