Mouth care

Abstract

Oral problems are commonly reported by patients receiving cancer treatment or in palliative care and, as such, have a negative impact on quality of life. It is very important to maintain good oral health and to prevent and treat complications that may arise in order to maintain self-esteem, social interactions and help compliance to general treatment. Problems such as mucositis, infection, xerostomia, and bleeding require treatment, whether or not the patient is receiving disease-modifying therapies. Treatment can be pharmacological and nonpharmacological and may focus on healing but comfort should be the priority. Above all, mouth care is everyone’s business: the patient, the care team and the family.