About
Oral Health Care During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment can affect the mouth in many ways. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medications, and reduced immunity can all contribute to dryness, ulcers, gum tenderness, taste changes, and a higher risk of infection. These changes are common, but they can often be managed with the right daily care and support.
At The House of Mouth, we have a growing focus on oral care during cancer treatment. Our founder Dan works closely with oncology teams and provides education in hospitals and treatment centres, which means this category is shaped by real patient needs and practical clinical experience.
This page explains the common oral changes that can happen during treatment, how to care for your mouth each day, and which products can help support comfort, hygiene, and moisture throughout your journey.
If you are going through cancer treatment, always follow the guidance of your cancer care team and dental professional. The products recommended here are designed to support oral comfort and daily care, not replace medical advice.
What Happens
What Happens to Your Mouth During Cancer Treatment?
Cancer treatment can affect saliva, soft tissues, taste, and the mouth’s natural ability to heal and protect itself. Common oral health issues include:
Dry mouth (xerostomia): Salivary glands may produce less saliva, which can make swallowing, speaking, and eating more difficult. A dry mouth also increases the risk of decay and irritation.
Mouth sores or ulcers (oral mucositis): Red, sore, or ulcerated areas can develop inside the mouth, making everyday oral care and meals uncomfortable. For more support, read our guide on How to Heal Mouth Ulcers.
Sensitive teeth and gums: Tenderness, bleeding, or discomfort can happen more easily during treatment, especially if oral tissues are already irritated.
Changes in taste and smell: Food may taste bland, bitter, or metallic. These changes are common during treatment and can affect appetite and hydration.
Lip and skin changes: Lips may become cracked, dry, or sore. The skin around the mouth may also feel tight or irritated.
Reduced saliva and lower immunity: Many treatments reduce saliva flow and make the mouth more prone to infection, irritation, and slower healing.
Treat & Prevent
How to Care for Your Mouth During Cancer Treatment
The best approach is simple, gentle, and consistent. Focus on protecting the mouth, keeping it moist, cleansing regularly, and managing symptoms as they appear.
Protect
Eat nutritious foods where possible and check your mouth every day using a mirror and light. If treatment has not started yet, organise a dental check and clean beforehand if advised by your care team.
Moisten
Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of cancer treatment. Drink water regularly throughout the day. Limit dehydrating drinks like coffee, energy drinks, and soft drinks. Use saliva support products such as sprays, gels, lozenges, or gum from our Dry Mouth range. A cool mist humidifier at night can also help.
Cleanse
Brush gently with an ultra-soft toothbrush and a mild toothpaste. Rinse throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks. If you wear dentures, only wear them when eating if advised, and clean them carefully between uses. You can also use alcohol-free mouthwash to help keep the mouth fresh without irritation.
Manage
Choose soft foods such as soup, yoghurt, smoothies, custard, mashed vegetables, and slow-cooked meats. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods if your mouth feels sore. Cut food into small pieces to reduce chewing. Use paper straws if drinking feels uncomfortable. Try to reduce smoking and alcohol, as both can make oral symptoms worse.
A Simple Daily Routine
Morning
Brush about 30 minutes after breakfast using an ultra-soft toothbrush and a gentle toothpaste. Follow with a moisturising rinse like Denta-Med Dry Moisturising Mouthwash.
During the day
Use dry mouth gels or sprays as needed to help with speaking, swallowing, and eating. Rinse after meals and snacks to keep the mouth clean and comfortable.
Evening
Brush gently before bed, rinse again, and use overnight saliva support products if your mouth tends to dry out while sleeping.
Recommendations
Recommended Products for Cancer Care
We’ve selected products that support oral comfort, moisture, and hygiene during treatment. Recommended product types include:
Ultra-soft toothbrushes
Gentle brushing matters. Use an extra-soft or soft toothbrush to reduce irritation while still cleaning effectively. Shop Toothbrushes.
Gentle toothpaste and high-fluoride options
A mild toothpaste helps reduce irritation, while high-fluoride products can support enamel in dry mouth conditions. Browse Toothpastes.
Moisturising mouthwash
A rinse like Denta-Med Dry Moisturising Mouthwash can help support moisture and comfort without the harsh feel of alcohol-based formulas.
Dry mouth sprays, gels, gums, and lozenges
These are useful throughout the day for ongoing relief. Explore our full Dry Mouth collection.
Remineralising creams and enamel support
Products in our Remineralisation range can help support enamel and comfort when saliva flow is low.
Tongue cleaners
If possible, gently clean the tongue once a day to help manage coating and keep the mouth feeling fresher. Shop Tongue Cleaners.
Interdental cleaning tools
Use Dental Floss, Tape & Ribbon or Interdental Brushes, Toothpicks & Flossers to clean between the teeth in a gentle way.
Why Shop With Us
Why Shop With Us?
At The House of Mouth, this is more than just another category. Cancer care is a growing area of our business because we know how important practical, gentle oral care is during treatment. Our recommendations are informed by real collaboration, real education, and real patient needs.
We stock clinically backed products from trusted oral care brands and help make it easier to find the right support for your situation. Whether you are dealing with dry mouth, mouth ulcers, gum tenderness, or sensitivity, our team is here to guide you towards products that fit into your care routine with confidence.
If you need help choosing the right products, contact us and our team can point you in the right direction.
(07) 55 34 8603
