For many types of mouth or vaginal sores, particularly those that develop after chemo, the primary treatment strategy is to support the body's immune system while the mucosal cells regenerate themselves. What you particularly don't want is for the irritation to turn into an infection. If that happens, you'll need to ask the doctor for antibiotics.
You'll also want to avoid anything that contributes to the irritation, so make sure that food isn't too hot, and don't serve any spicy or acidic foods (absolutely no citrus-based fruit juices or tomato sauces) or anything with hard or sharp edges (nuts, crusty bread, apple slices) that could cut the mouth. Skip carbonated drinks like seltzer and soda, which are irritating; opt for water instead.
There are many other ways to keep mouth irritation from getting out of control. These will be trial-and-error efforts; try each one and see which helps the most.
- Tea (use for gargling)
- Honey (swallow undiluted or add to tea)
- Cepacol lozenges
- Chloraseptic spray and lozenges
- Lip balm (not Vaseline) to keep lips moist
- Water-soluble moisturizing jelly (K-Y) to moisturize mouth tissues
- Milk of Magnesia or Mylanta (dilute in water for gargling)
- Probiotic supplement rinses (which contribute beneficial bacteria or yeast)
- Papaya or papaya juice
- Glutamine powder (mix with water and drink)
