Looking after your mouth and oral health
Last edited: 18/07/2024
Oral health
If you have been unwell, are having treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or if you are taking antibiotics, you may be experiencing some oral health problems. This can include a dry mouth, ulcers and oral thrush.
It’s easy to forget about oral health in these situations. Following the guidance below can help reduce discomfort and the risk of complications.
- Use a soft toothbrush with a pea-sized amount of non-foaming toothpaste.
- Regularly clean your teeth. Sometimes, this may mean cleaning them every two to four hours.
- Use an alcohol-free mouthwash, especially if you are not able to brush and can only rinse your mouth.
- Make sure dentures are thoroughly cleaned after each meal and taken out at night.
- Drink plenty of fluids and/or suck on ice cubes to keep your mouth hydrated.
Dry mouth and lips
If you often wake up with a sticky feeling and dry mouth you may be experiencing this problem.
It can affect your ability to swallow, chew properly and talk clearly. It’s caused by a lack of saliva in your mouth to keep it moist.
Following the guidance below will help to keep your mouth hydrated.
- Often have little sips of drinks at room temperature.
- Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks and keep tea and coffee to a minimum.
- Try having sugar-free sweets or chewing sugar free gum as they produce more saliva and help make your mouth feel more comfortable.
- Keeping your lips moist will help when talking. Use a water-based lip balm rather than a petroleum-based one, such as Vaseline©. Your nurse can also recommend an oral gel, which can be used on lips and inside the gum line.
Mouth ulcers
These can be very painful. Maintaining good oral hygiene will help, but you might need painkillers or treatment. If you have mouth ulcers make sure you mention it to your nurse or GP, especially if they are causing you pain and discomfort.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as that can make your mouth feel worse.
Eating soft moist foods, rather than dry, salty and spicy food, will help.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush is a fungal infection in the mouth and throat. You may have an unpleasant taste in your mouth and your tongue may have white patches. It can also cause cracks in the corners of your mouth, a burning sensation, bad breath and difficulties speaking and eating. It is not contagious and is often treated with anti-fungal treatment.
Make sure dentures are removed before antifungal treatment and are soaked overnight.
Further advice
If you have any problems with your oral health or mouth make sure you mention it to your nurse or GP.
You can also call NHS 111, 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones.
Contact us
Local referral unit
You can get in touch directly by contacting our Local Referral Unit, open 24/7, 365 days a year. The local referral unit takes both urgent and non-urgent referrals for our community services in the east and west Kent localities.
East Kent
Ashford: 0300 123 0915
Canterbury: 0300 123 4415
Deal and Dover: 0300 123 1943
Shepway: 0300 123 1943
Thanet: 0300 7900 386
West Kent
0300 123 1950
Equipment
If you have been prescribed specialist equipment and you need a repair or return please contact NRS on the telephone number below together with the operating hours.
01622 235300
For deliveries and returns: 8am to 6pm
For repairs and servicing: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Safeguarding – if you are worried or concerned, what can I do if someone is at risk?
This information should only be followed on the advice of a healthcare professional.
Do you have feedback about our health services?
0800 030 4550
Text 07899 903499
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
kentchft.PALS@nhs.net
kentcht.nhs.uk/PALS
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Trinity House, 110-120 Upper Pemberton
Ashford
Kent
TN25 4AZ
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