What To Do
When Your Mouth or Throat Hurts

"It was hard for me to eat and swallow. So I began to eat softer foods and check my mouth each day. I also took pain medicine from my doctor." Play Audio Listen to learn more Type: MP3 Time: 3:26 Size: 3.2mb Read the Transcript

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Take good care of your mouth.

Before treatment:

• Visit a dentist at least 2 weeks before your first treatment. Tell the dentist that you will be having radiation therapy.

During treatment:

• Check inside your mouth every day and look for any changes.
• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue gently with a soft, clean toothbrush.
• Brush after each meal and before bedtime.
• Sip water or suck on ice chips to keep your mouth and throat wet.

Every 1 to 2 hours during the day:

• Rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1 cup warm water, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Swish the mixture around in your mouth, and then spit it out.
• Ask your doctor or nurse to write down any other mouth rinses that you should use.

Tips to make eating more comfortable:

This can help:

• Mash food or cut it into small pieces.
• Add gravy or broth to make other foods wet and soft.
• Drink through a straw if that helps.
• Eat foods warm - not too hot.
• Eat soft foods, such as cooked cereals, macaroni, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and yogurt.
• Use a blender to make milkshakes or blend your food.

Stay away from these:

• Don't drink alcohol or sour juices.
• Don't eat foods that are spicy, salty, or have a lot of sugar. Hard, sharp foods such as chips can also make your mouth hurt.
• Don't use tobacco - no cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.

Tips to help with pain or burning in your throat:

• Sit upright and bend your head forward a little when you are eating or drinking.
• Sit or stand up for at least 30 minutes after eating.

Questions to ask your doctor or nurse:

1. What mouth or throat problems should I call you about?
2. Can you show me how to make a mouth rinse?
3. What medicine can I take to help stop the pain?

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