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Swollen Gums: What helps this chemo side effect?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 18, 2023 | Replies (8)

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@gardenfairy

Please see this article from Mayo Clinic about Magic Mouthwash. I used this mouth rinse in 2022 for 6 weeks. I did not swallow it, even though it was a suggested option in the article. but it healed my gums within 30 days of use. I'm about to start using it again because thrush has caused my gums to swell. My periodontist prescribed it. The rinse is not the slightest bit unpleasant. Let me know if you would like to see the formula I used. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemotherapy/expert-answers/magic-mouthwash/faq-20058071

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Replies to "Please see this article from Mayo Clinic about Magic Mouthwash. I used this mouth rinse in..."

Hi @gardenfairy, I occasionally have to use 2 medications for my mouth to treat sores that pop up on my tongue. (Graft vs host issues from a stem cell transplant). If I’m not cautious, in a few days I get the familar feeling of thrush developing.
I’ve managed to ward that off fully now by doing several things I thought I’d pass along to you. You may have already tried them, if not…here they are.

1. I brush my tongue several times a day, starting when I get out of bed in the morning. Look at your tongue with a bright light. If you see areas on your tongue that look even a hint whiter than usual, make sure you get the brush over there! Brushing this off stops the colonization of the yeast.

Rinse your toothbrush off, then pour a little 91% rubbing alcohol over it and let it dry. (Not really sure if this helps but I feel better about it. ☺️)

2. Once, sometimes twice a day, I ‘pull’ with pure, organic coconut oil. The anti-fungal properties of coconut oil seem to help keep the colonies down. *posting a relevant link below.

Using about 1 or 2 teaspoons of solid ‘oil’ I let it melt on my tongue then swish it vigorously in my mouth for 20 minutes. Do not swallow!! Spit this out into a waste basket, not down the sink drain. (It will solidify and clog your drain).

3. Eating plain yogurt…it’s a natural yeast fighter. I let it melt on my tongue. It feels soothing and it really seems to ward off issues of thrush. I’ve avoided thrush that’s needed any treatments by doing these things…besides avoiding sugar.

Here’s a link regarding pulling:
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/coconut-oil-for-yeast-infection#:~:text=Coconut%20oil%20is%20an%20established%20antifungal.%20Although%20research,was%20the%20most%20susceptible%20to%20concentrated%20coconut%20oil.

Good luck! Have you tried any of these remedies?