Oral Mouth Care and Mucositis

Oral mucositis is one of the most common and distressing side effects of cancer therapy and results from damage to the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract due to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Mucositis is characterized by oral erythema, ulceration, and pain and is seen as a continuum from limited patches of mildly sore erythematous mucosae to diffuse areas of painful ulceration and pseudomembranes. The oncology health care team must proactively assess and manage the oral health of pediatric oncology patients before, during and after cancer therapy. This chapter describes the incidence, etiologies, and treatments of oral mucositis and summarizes general oral health care for pediatric oncology patients. Current evidence-based guidelines are reviewed in order to aid pediatric oncology practitioners on best practice for the oral health of their patients.