Tips to cope with a sore mouth

• Avoid foods that might sting your mouth like vinegar, spices, salty foods, alcohol (especially wine and spirits), very hot or very cold stuff, and acidic fruit juices.

• Dilute fruit juice. Mango, pear or peach fruit juices are less irritating than citrus juices.

• Try sucking on an ice block (don’t opt for orange or pineapple ones as the acid in them will hurt your mouth).

• Eat soft, smooth, creamy foods. Chop, blend, mince or puree food to make it easier to swallow.

• Avoid rough, dry and crunchy foods like nuts, chips and dry crackers.

• Try drinking liquids through a straw if you have mouth ulcers.

• Pay special attention to mouth hygiene to help prevent infection. Try a mouthwash (not a commercial one as that will sting – try the simple mouthwash recipe below instead) after each meal. Use a soft toothbrush and brush your teeth twice a day.

• Be careful brushing your teeth! You may have a low platelet count and brushing your teeth may cause your gums to bleed. If it’s too painful, try using a mouthwash instead.

• Talk to your doctor if you have persistent ulcers or a white coating in the mouth (thrush).

• Tell your doctor or dietician if you have severe difficulty swallowing for a considerable period of time. A feeding tube may be considered.

Tips to cope with a dry mouth

• Have drinks with meals and try and take small sips throughout.

• Again, try sucking on ice blocks or ice cubes.

• Cook meat until it is very tender so you don’t have so much chewing to do.

• Make food moist with stock, milk, sauce or gravy.