Cautions and Warnings

Caution & Warnings: 

Mouth Sores 

Caused by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments affect fast-growing cells, such as cancer cells. Normal cells inside the mouth also grow quickly and may be damaged by these cancer treatments, making it hard to eat. 

• Eat soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as the following:
  • Soft fruits, including bananas, applesauce, and watermelon.
  • Peach, pear, and apricot nectars.
  • Cottage cheese.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Macaroni and cheese.
  • Custards and puddings.
  • Gelatin.
  • Milkshakes.
  • Scrambled eggs.
  • Oatmeal or other cooked cereals.
• Stay away from the following:
  • Citrus fruits and juices, (such as oranges, tangerines, lemons, and grapefruit).
  • Spicy or salty foods.
  • Rough, coarse, or dry foods, including raw vegetables, granola, toast, and crackers.
• Use a blender to make vegetables (such as potatoes, peas, and carrots) and meats smooth.
• Add gravy, broth, or sauces to food.
• Drink high-calorie, high-protein drinks in addition to meals.
• Cook foods until soft and tender.
• Eat foods cold or at room temperature. Hot and warm foods can irritate a tender mouth.
• Cut foods into small pieces.
• Use a straw to drink liquids.
• Numb the mouth with ice chips or flavored ice pops before eating.
• Clean teeth (including dentures) and rinse mouth at least four times a day (after eating and at bedtime).