Oral mucositis is a medical condition described as ulceration and inflammation of the mucosal lining of the mouth. This can commonly occur as a side effect of radiation or chemotherapy, which is offered as part of cancer treatment. Patients with head or neck cancer usually receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat the cancer. Such patients are at increased risk of developing oral mucositis in addition to ulcerations in the gastrointestinal tract. It is important to understand the causes and symptoms of oral mucositis. There are many home remedies available for oral mucositis.
Oral mucositis is basically characterized by painful sores and redness of the mouth, bleeding from the mouth and gums in addition to oral infection. In oral mucositis, eating and swallowing becomes difficult, due to severe pain in the mouth and throat. This can lead to a reduced appetite, resulting in weight loss, and also increases the risk of dehydration.
In addition to this, patients with oral mucositis are also likely to develop a super aggregate fungal infection through the breakdown of the protective mucosa in the mouth. Therefore, it is important to treat oral mucositis as soon as possible and reduce complications. There are many home remedies for oral mucositis that can treat the signs and symptoms of the disease naturally.
What causes oral mucositis?
What causes oral mucositis?
The gastrointestinal system is protected by a thin membrane, called the mucous membrane. Some agents, diseases, or other problems can cause irritation, inflammation, and ulceration of the mucous membrane. When this occurs in the oral cavity, it results in oral mucositis.
Some of the causes of oral mucositis include:
Oral mucositis caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are one of the main causes of oral mucositis. Oral mucositis usually occurs in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat head or neck cancer. Patients receiving radiation therapy for cancer of the oral cavity or adjacent structures may have severe forms of mucositis. Oral mucositis is considered one of the side effects of these therapies used to treat a variety of cancers.
Chemotherapy and radiation generally obstruct and damage the epithelial cells of the oral mucous membrane. Drugs used in the treatment of cancer also lower immunity and cause significant growth in bacteria and fungi that cause oral mucositis.
Other factors that can cause oral mucositis or increase the risk of oral mucositis include:
Poor oral care can cause oral mucositis:
Inadequate hygiene, not maintaining proper oral care during dental treatment or during chemotherapy, brushing and cleaning after meals, can invite microorganisms, which can cause oral mucositis.
Diet and lifestyle can influence oral mucositis
Chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, or eating spicy foods can destroy the protective lining of the mouth and cause oral mucositis.
Oral mucositis caused by nutritional deficiency:
Lack of nutrients in the diet can starve the body of adequate nutrients, reduce immunity, and can be a cause of oral mucositis.
Dehydration:
Dehydration or dry mouth can increase the risk of oral mucositis
Oxygen therapy:
Continuous oxygen therapy can sometimes act as a cause of oral mucositis.
Home remedies for oral mucositis
Some home remedies for oral mucositis are helpful in improving the condition naturally. These home remedies can relieve pain, alleviate the symptoms of oral mucositis, and also help heal ulcers.
Honey – The best home remedy for oral mucositis
One of the oldest and most effective home remedies for oral mucositis includes honey. It is considered to be the natural barrier that protects the oral mucus membrane and also decreases pain; Like honey it has mild anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is also globally acclaimed as the most effective and natural antibacterial agent that effectively protects the oral cavity from attack by germs and infections.
Maintaining oral hygiene is the best home remedy for oral mucositis:
Brushing your teeth at least four times a day with a superior grade soft bristle toothbrush will keep your oral cavity clean and your mouth completely moist, preventing an infection from developing in your oral cavity. Brushing your teeth before bed is crucial to eradicating germ infection, causing germs to develop in the mouth during sleep.
Home remedy for oral mucositis with salt water:
Rinsing your mouth with a regular time interval is also equally essential. Use salt water to rinse your mouth at least 2-3 times a day to combat the symptoms of oral mucositis. There may be mild irritation or pain due to oral mucositis. Salt water is considered to be the most effective home remedy because it contains the antibacterial properties that can reduce pain and irritation.
Ice:
Putting a few ice chips in the mouth can also numb the oral cavity and help temporarily relieve pain.
Avoid spicy food
Avoid eating hot and spicy foods until the oral mucositis is completely treated. Citrus fruits should also be avoided as they can aggravate the condition.
Baking Soda As A Home Remedy For Oral Mucositis:
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt to a glass of water. Mix these ingredients until the mixture is completely dissolved. Rinse your mouth with the water mixture 2-3 times a day.
These are some of the tried and tested home remedies for oral mucositis.
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