Stomatitis

How is DOXIL® different?

Stomatitis is a mouth irritation that takes the form of redness, pain, swelling, and/or sores on the inside of the mouth. Taking proper care of your mouth and avoiding certain foods and beverages may help manage stomatitis.

Management tips

Talk with your doctor or nurse about which of the tips below may be best for you. Check with them to see if there is anything else you should watch for.

  • Practice good oral care
  • Diet considerations
  • Avoid
  • Before receiving DOXIL®, it is recommended that you visit your dentist to take care of any problems that already exist, such as cavities. Ask your doctor, nurse, or dentist for advice on how you should take care of your teeth and mouth during treatment
  • During treatment with DOXIL®, have a checkup by a dentist familiar with the oral problems that can occur as a result of chemotherapy. The dentist will check for:
    • Sores or infection
    • Tooth decay
    • Gum disease
    • Problems with the jaw or salivary glands
    • Poorly fitting dentures
  • Be careful about how you clean your teeth
    • Use a soft toothbrush
    • Use a mild-tasting fluoride toothpaste
    • Brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day
    • Rinse your toothbrush in hot water
    • Floss gently
  • Use lip balm for dry, cracked lips
  • Check with your doctor or nurse about using an artificial saliva product to increase the moisture in your mouth
  • Eat a well-balanced diet; this may help your body tolerate treatment and fight infection while maintaining energy
  • Eat foods that are chilled or at room temperature
  • Try eating frozen juice bars (noncitrus), ice cream, milk shakes, custards, and pudding
  • Choose soft foods like baby food, soft fruit, mashed potatoes, cooked cereals, eggs, and macaroni and cheese
  • Puree cooked foods with butter, margarine, gravy, or sauce, or soften them by dipping them in liquids
  • Drink plenty of cool or room-temperature liquids; suck on ice chips or sip cool beverages as often as possible
  • Chew sugar-free gum

Avoid

  • Hot or spicy foods
  • Salty foods
  • Hard, coarse, or crunchy foods, such as raw vegetables, granola, and toast
  • Warm or hot beverages, like coffee, tea, and cocoa
  • Citrus fruits and juices
  • Acidic foods, such as tomatoes or tomato-based sauces
  • Mouthwashes or toothpastes that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
  • Alcohol and tobacco

Pain relief

To help relieve pain, speak to your doctor or nurse. He or she may recommend treatment, such as topical treatments or pain medications.