The mouth is a truly remarkable place with many functions, including talking, swallowing and helping us taste food. But what can happen to the mouth when you undergo treatment for cancer?

Some oncology treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the head or neck can have side-effects on the mouth, and whilst some are temporary, others might persist for some time. 

Some of the side effects that can affect the mouth include

• Mouth sores - usually occur on the cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft palate. Fortunately, most eventually heal on their own. However, it may be uncomfortable when you have one
  
  
• Stiff jaw - your jaw muscles may become stiff after radiation therapy

• Dry mouth - drugs and radiation therapy to the head and neck can affect the salivary glands, reducing the quantity and consistency of saliva produced. Your mouth may feel dry because you are not producing enough saliva, or the saliva is of a poor ‘quality’
  
  
• Dental issues - saliva helps protect the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. If the oncology treatment has affected your saliva plaque can build up in the mouth, potentially leading to gum disease and tooth decay

Before you start treatment for your cancer, it is worth having a dental check-up to ensure your mouth is in good shape and dental issues are sorted.

To minimise the impact of any of the side effects it is worth:

• Avoiding spicy, hot or very acidic foods as these may irritate a sore mouth
• Avoiding coffee, alcohol and smoking as they can dry your mouth out further
• Taking good care of your mouth to keep it as healthy as possible. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste but avoid any products with alcohol or SLS [sodium lauryl sulfate] as these can irritate the mouth and dry it out further
• Using products to stimulate saliva – such as chewing gum or sugar-free sweets
• Considering saliva substitute products to ‘replace’ or supplement your natural saliva

If you experience any of these side effects or have concerns about the health of your mouth [before, during or after treatment] definitely speak with your dental or oncology team. They are only too happy to help and might be able to make your mouth more comfortable.

Why not join in the conversation? Email us at hello@oralieve.co.uk or on Twitter @Oralieve_UK or on Facebook @Oralieve

There are plenty of studies that show smiling is good for us. When we smile, we release endorphins, natural painkillers and serotonin, all of which elevate our mood and help reduce physical pain.

So why is oral care amongst elderly residents in care homes not more of a priority?

A recent Care Quality Commission report highlighted that care home residents did not always have access to dentists and were not routinely getting the support they needed to look after their teeth. Fewer than half of homes had a policy to promote and protect people’s oral health.

In the UK, as in many developed countries, we have an ageing population, and this is a trend that’s set to increase. In 2016 there were 1.6m people aged 85 years or over and this is projected to double to 3.2m by 2041, and treble by 2066!

And when you consider over 16% of the population aged over 85 years currently live in care homes, the number of people potentially not receiving oral care is set to increase to significant levels – certainly not something to smile about.

But oral care is more than just preventing tooth decay, it can genuinely impact on physical, social and psycho-social wellbeing.

Research shows that 1 in 3 people admitted to hospitals or who are in care homes are malnourished or at risk of becoming so.

Poor nutrition and hydration affect patients’ well-being but can also impact their ability to recover from illness, and ultimately lead to increased admission to hospital.

Often the condition of the patient’s mouth or teeth can have a direct bearing on nutritional intake. If teeth are decayed and painful, dentures not fitting [or even missing] or gums/tongues/lips sore, then the patient may struggle to eat or drink. And if no-one takes the time to look inside that patient’s mouth then it is unlikely to improve.

All this before we even consider the impact of bacterial aspiration and pneumonia!

Oral care should be considered a basic human right. Not only is it essential to keep the mouth healthy but would you feel like speaking with friends and family, smiling or kissing a loved one if you hadn’t cleaned your teeth recently? So why should it be any different for people in care homes!

Clearly training is an issue, and various initiatives have been introduced to ensure better delivery of personalised oral care in hospitals and care homes. But we need to do more!

If our mother/father where in a care home, we would want the best for them. Who knows, we might end up in one ourselves in the future and if we do, it would be good to know we had something to smile about!

Join in the discussion on Twitter @Oralieve_UK or by emailing hello@oralieve.co.uk

Some mouthwashes can really burn the mouth when being used and this is often down to the alcohol in the product. So if alcohol can cause irritation, why have it in a mouthrinse?

Many dry mouth sufferers like to keep a bottle of water handy to take sips from throughout the day. But are you aware that dry mouth is rarely associated with systemic dehydration and water will not actually overcome the condition?

Excessive sipping of water can wash away any saliva that may by present and can even leave your mouth feeling drier. What’s more, if you tend to drink water to relieve a dry mouth at night you may experience sleep disruption because of those extra trips to the toilet!

It’s important to recognise that it is not thirst that is making your mouth dry and therefore you may need to manage the symptoms of a clinical dry mouth. So why not try Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Spray? Unlike water it moisturises the mouth and supplements natural saliva. Spray on the insides of the cheeks and gums for lasting, instant relief from the symptoms of dry mouth. What’s more you might get a better night’s sleep.

Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Spray is available for purchase on our online shop at £6.99 or 3 for £16! Click here to visit our online shop or if you need assistance with your order, call us on 01582 439122.

In the UK, as in many countries around the world, people are living longer thanks in part to better medical care and nutrition etc.

As we age it is inevitable that our bodies will suffer from health complications and psychological changes, many of which may result in the need for additional support and medication to help manage.

For that reason care home living may become a more prominent part of ageing in the UK – over 430,000 people already live in care homes and this number is set to rise in the coming years.

Maintaining oral hygiene remains important throughout life. Poor oral health can impact on the ability to eat, swallow and talk all of which can affect physical and psychological well-being.  

So here are some practical tips for people in residential care homes, where it can be challenging to maintain oral care routines and ensure access to dental services.

• Everyday tasks, such as tooth brushing, can help maintain independence but may require additional assistance. If you are unsteady on your feet, you may want help to stand at a basin.

Consider using non-foaming fluoride toothpaste, such as Oralieve Ultra Mild toothpaste. This means you can brush your teeth sitting in a chair or even in bed without any mess!

The ultra mild flavour of Oralieve is also ideal for anyone who doesn’t like strong flavours too.

• Dentures sometimes have a habit of getting lost or even being used by other residents!

Make sure you get any dentures marked  - your dental practice can arrange this for you

• Multiple medications, including those for dementia, cancer, diabetes or Parkinson’s can all lead to a dry mouth, which if unmanaged, can have a detrimental effect on oral health.

Gels and Sprays, such as Oralieve Moisturising Mouth Gel and Spray, can help keep mouths moist, comfortable and healthy [and are available on prescription]

• Care homes have a duty to help maintain [and improve, where possible] the oral health of their residents

If you, or a relative, are having difficulties with performing daily oral care speak with the Care Staff as they will be able to assist.