| Managing Mouth Sores
GMHC'S Nutrition & Wellness Program
Some Facts about Mouth Sores
- Mouth soreness or pain is frequently experienced by individuals
who have compromised immune systems. Soreness or pain can lead
to a decrease in appetite and food intake or difficulty with dental
hygiene.
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), mouth ulcers, or Candida
Albicans — a type of yeast/fungus which leads to thrush (see
our
Thrush Fact Sheet) — are common causes of mouth soreness
or pain.
Tips to Manage Mouth Soreness or Pain
- Try soft, smooth, or blenderized foods, including soups, ice
cream, pudding, or mashed potatoes.
- Avoid spicy, salty, sticky, or rough foods, carbonated beverages,
and citrus fruits and juices which may irritate sores and cause
pain.
- Avoid very hot foods. Foods eaten cold or room temperature foods
are usually better tolerated.
Tips for Treating Mouth Sores
- Rinse your mouth frequently to help keep it fresh. Avoid commercial
mouthwashes that contain alcohol and other irritants.
The following are some suggested mouth rinses to help reduce pain
and protect the inside of your mouth.
Herbal rinses:
Slippery elm or marshmallow root:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of powder in one cup of warm water. Stir well
to dissolve thoroughly, rinse mouth or gargle if necessary
Liquid myrhhr extract:
Dissolve six to eight drops in 1/2 cup of warm water and stir well.
Liquid Myrrh extract can also be applied directly to mouth sores
using a cotton swab.
Other rinses (should NOT be swallowed)
Rinse 1
Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of water.
Rinse 2: Carafate "slurry"
Mix Carafate with a small amount of water
Rinse 3
10cc or two teaspoons of viscous lidocaine 2%
10cc or two teaspoons of antacid liquid (such as Mylanta or or Maalox)
25 mg of Benadryl Elixir in one teaspoon of water
© 2003 Gay Men's Health Crisis |
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