New patient baseline assessment
• Nurses to screen for oral mucositis and associated oral complications. Once detected,
assess at each patient visit
• Provide verbal and written information on maintaining oral hygiene at onset of treatment
• Maintaining oral health throughout the treatment phase is necessary to:
- maintain adequate hydration and nutrition
- reduce the incidence, severity and duration of oral mucositis - prevent or minimize the effects of oral complications
• A dental exam and any interventions should be performed by a dentist (or oral oncology specialist) as early as possible before starting radiation or chemotherapy.
Flossing
• Floss at least once daily • Do not floss if:
- Platelet count below 50, 000 mm3 or unless otherwise advised by physician
NOTE: Do not initiate flossing with cancer treatment if it is not part of your regular routine unless recommended by a dentist.
Brushing
• Use small, extra soft nylon bristled tooth brush
- To soften bristles, rinse toothbrush under warm water for about 30 seconds
• Use non-abrasive, fluoride toothpaste with a neutral taste- flavoring agents may irritate gums
• Brush two to four times daily
- Brush all tooth surfaces using a short circular motion or horizontal strokes
- Brush tongue back to front
• Rinse toothbrush well after each use; allow to air dry
• Replace toothbrush when bristles are no longer standing up straight Oral Rinses
• Oral rinses help keep mouth moist and clean by removing debris
• Frequency and Use:
- After brushing, rinse mouth a minimum of four times daily
- Use 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of oral rinse, swish in oral cavity for 30 seconds, then spit out - Prepare mouth rinse solution daily to avoid risk of contamination
- Causes pain or bleeding gums which does not stop after 2 minutes
Lip Care
• Use water based or aloe based lubricant to protect the lips and keep moist
• Apply after oral care, at bedtime or as often as required
• Water based lubricants may be used during oxygen therapy and can be applied inside the
mouth
NOTE: Oil based lubricants (e.g. petroleum jelly) generally not recommended due to increased risk of aspiration and occlusive nature may increase growth of pathogens. Do not use inside mouth or if patient on oxygen therapy.
Dentures
• Remove dentures, plates, and/or prostheses before oral hygiene performed
• Brush and rinse dentures after every meal and at bedtime
• Soak dentures in oral rinse solution: rinse before placing in mouth
• Do not wear tight or loose fitting dentures
• Allow long periods without wearing dentures, at least 8 hours daily (e.g. overnight)
• If mouth sensitive, wear only during mealtime
Collaborate with physician if patient:
• On active chemotherapy treatment and concern re: treatment delay or reduction required.
See Chemotherapy Protocols in Resource section for specific instructions
• Requires new or change in prescription
• Requires further evaluation and assessment in an ambulatory setting
• Lab and diagnostic testing that may be needed:
- Culture of oral mucosa
- Complete blood count, electrolyte profile, blood cultures
Consider modifications to basic oral hygiene recommendations:
Flossing
• Discontinue flossing if:
- Flossing causes pain or bleeding gums which do not stop after 2 minutes - Low platelet count (Platelet count below 50, 000 mm3)
Brushing
• Brushing more gently with toothbrush if:
- brushing causes discomfort
- some bleeding occurs but stops within 2 minutes