Chemotherapy and radiation can cause mouth sores as a side effect. There are many ways to relieve pain or reduce swelling from mouth sores, including gargling “magic mouthwash” and sucking on ice chips.
References
American Cancer Society. (2024). Mouth sores and pain.
Elad, S., et al. (2020). MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to cancer therapy. Cancer.
Kravitz, N.D., et al. (2020). Magic mouthwash demystified. Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Mouth sores.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Oral mucositis - self-care.
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Written by:
Lauren Smith, MALauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Reviewed by:
Alexandra Schwarz, MDDr. Schwarz is board eligible Sleep Medicine and board certified Family Medicine physician. She is a member of the AASM and ABFM.
