What it is
Good mouth care, soft foods, mouthwashes, painkillers and sometimes special gels can help.
Mucositis can increase the risk of infection, so the cancer team should be told about it.
Common signs
- A sore, red mouth
- Mouth ulcers
- Difficulty eating, drinking or talking
- Dry mouth
- White patches, which may be an infection
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination of the mouth by the cancer team
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Cancer team notes
- Mouth care plans
- Treatments used
Questions to ask your doctor
- What mouth care should I do each day?
- Which painkillers can I use?
- What should I eat while my mouth is sore?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A temperature of 38°C or above, being unable to drink, or feeling very unwell during cancer treatment: call your cancer care team or 112 straight away
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.