Info
🦷 Mouth sores and oral sensitivity
What it is, what helps, and when to seek medical help.
General guidance only; it does not replace medical advice. Talk to your medical team before any decision about your treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Mouth sores and oral sensitivity: what is it and why does it happen?
Oral mucositis (mouth sores) means painful ulcers on the lining of the mouth, caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They appear because the cells lining the mouth regenerate quickly and are affected by the treatment.
Mouth sores and oral sensitivity: what helps?
- Rinse your mouth with salt water (¼ teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of water) 3–4 times a day.
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, acidic juices, and hard or spicy foods.
- Choose soft foods that are cold or at room temperature: purees, puddings, yogurt.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and an SLS-free toothpaste.
- Drink enough water — a dry mouth lining is more vulnerable.
- Ice or ice cream can ease the pain locally.
Mouth sores and oral sensitivity: when should you seek medical help?
Severe mouth sores that stop you keeping fluids down or swallowing, fever, or signs of infection (pus, spreading redness) — contact your medical team straight away.
When to seek help
Severe mouth sores that stop you keeping fluids down or swallowing, fever, or signs of infection (pus, spreading redness) — contact your medical team straight away.
See all warning signsRecipes that suit Mouth sores and oral sensitivity
32 recipes chosen for this symptom, with prep time and steps.
Cream of vegetable soup with yogurt
A smooth texture that is easy to swallow, dense in calories and protein. It can be made with vegetables you tolerate well.
Soft omelette with toast
Quality protein, a very soft texture, easy to chew. A quick and comforting serving.
Rice porridge with chicken breast
A comforting dish, soft in texture, easy to digest. Protein and carbohydrates in a well-tolerated form.
Peach and yogurt smoothie
A delicate, fragrant smoothie made from ripe peaches, creamy thanks to the yogurt.
Pear and vanilla smoothie
A mild, aromatic smoothie, excellent for a sensitive stomach or nausea.
Clear chicken broth
The classic clear broth, hydrating and comforting. Ideal on nausea days or after chemotherapy.
Cream of pumpkin soup
A creamy, lightly sweet soup with a smooth texture. Rich in beta-carotene and easy to tolerate.
Cream of red lentil soup
A nourishing soup, rich in plant protein and iron. Soft texture, easy to digest.
Cream of potato and leek soup
An adapted French classic, velvety, mild, and comforting.
Cream of tomato soup
A velvety tomato soup, lightly sweet-and-sour, rich in lycopene.
Cream of cauliflower soup
A white, gentle, easy-to-tolerate soup with a velvety texture.
Cream of sweet potato soup
A sweet, fragrant soup, rich in beta-carotene and natural calories.
Cream of spinach soup
A green soup, rich in iron and folate. A fine, comforting texture.
Steamed chicken with vegetables
Steamed chicken with soft vegetables — the gentlest way to prepare protein.
Soft polenta with cheese
Creamy polenta with melted cheese — traditional Romanian comfort food, easy to swallow.
Baked egg and vegetable pudding
A soft, protein-rich pudding baked in the oven with soft vegetables and eggs.
Turkey meatballs in soup
Soft turkey meatballs in a clear soup — protein-rich, easy to chew and comforting.
Pumpkin risotto
Creamy risotto with pumpkin, easy to chew and pleasantly fragrant. An ideally soft texture.
Cod with mashed potatoes
A classic, easy-to-chew combination: boiled or baked cod with creamy mash.
Spinach and ricotta pasta
Creamy pasta with spinach and ricotta — rich in calcium and protein, soft and pleasant.
Baked sweet potato with cheese
Baked sweet potato, soft on the inside, served with cheese and herbs. Simple and nutritious.
Hummus with soft veggie sticks
Creamy hummus rich in plant protein, served with cooked or soft vegetables.
Cream cheese toast
Soft toast with cream cheese — quick, easy to chew, good at any time.
Chia pudding with milk
A pudding made overnight, rich in omega-3 and fiber, with a gel texture that is easy to swallow.
Warm milk with honey and cinnamon
A warm, soothing drink that helps with sleep and relaxation. Simple and always available.
Baked apple with cinnamon and honey
A simple, warm and fragrant dessert. The baked apple is soft, easy to chew and easy to accept.
Banana ice cream (1 ingredient)
Natural ice cream from frozen bananas, with no added sugar, creamy and easy to swallow.
Avocado mousse with cocoa
A creamy mousse with a chocolate taste, rich in healthy fats, dairy-free.
Rice pudding
The classic creamy rice pudding, warm or cold — accepted even on difficult days.
Steamed pears with ginger
Tender steamed pears with ginger — a gentle anti-nausea dessert, soft and hydrating.
Overnight oats
A breakfast made the evening before, ready in the morning. No cooking needed, creamy texture.
Semolina porridge with milk
Classic creamy semolina porridge, easy to swallow and gentle on the digestive tract.