Swollen Gums: What helps this chemo side effect?

Hi
So sorry your in pain. Is your DCIS invasive? Mine is insitu having surgery Dec 15th. Was told I will only require radiation. Hope you find some answers to help.

@dmosssadler, if I recall, you're getting AC + T [doxorubicin (Adriamycin), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and a taxane drug (Taxol, Taxotere)]. Mouth sores and other oral issues are known side effects of AC+T.

I'm tagging @leeann66 @lynnj3 and @loribmt in case they have some suggestions for you.

@dmosssadler, was the swelling a prelude to mouth sores breaking out? Or are you still experiencing swelling only? Tenderness?

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

Hi @dmosssadler. Unfortunately, one of short term side effects of chemo can be mouth sores with anything from sore tongue, insides of cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, etc.. So it’s not unusual for you to start seeing some puffy gums after even your first treatment.

It’s important to be extra vigilant in cleaning your teeth but with sore gums it poses some challenges. When I had my chemo, I had to switch to ‘sponge’ tooth brushes…literally little pieces of sponge on sticks. They’re available in drug stores or online. Baby tooth brushes with super fine bristles can help too. I was told to not floss while on chemo. However as a former dental assistant, not flossing drove me crazy! So I’d sneak in a very gentle floss session or two per week instead of daily.
Usually with chemo, your blood counts will drop mid cycle. With lower white blood counts and reduced platelets it is not a good idea to floss because of the potential to introduce bacteria into the blood stream. If brushing becomes uncomfortable use cotton gauze to rub your teeth and gums gently.

I’m posting a pretty comprehensive article I found which covers what to do for mouth sores during chemo. @gardenfairy mentioned the magic mouthwash. There are other solutions mentioned in the article.

From verywellhealth.com:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/mouth-sores-after-chemotherapy-430152

How many chemo sessions will you be having?

dmosssadler @dmosssadler

Luckily I did not have your problem, but my Breast Cancer support group recently had dentist talk to us about cancer treatment effect on gum and teeth. I wish I would of taken notes so could pass on his advice.
If you have a regular dentist, reach out and ask advice.
Also, I suggest you mention to your oncologist, they may be able to give suggestion.

Laurie

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?

The chemo nurses had me keep crushed ice in my mouth during the infusion of A/C. They say it constricts the blood vessels to lessen the effect of the chemo drugs on the mouth. I also use a mild salt and baking soda rinse at home.
I hope you get some relief ASAP.

Yes, thus was after effect of chemo the mouth soreness & my tongue had another 3 - 4 painful red spots. Very tender couldn't eat..just had yogurt soup ice pops.

But after about a week mouth got better...

Next Wednesday will be Chemo #3.

Thank you for the link & info..I will check it out