Keeping mouth clean after Mucosectomy

Can you tolerate a mild mint toothpaste? 

If you can then pop a tiny bit in the end of your tongue now and then? 
Otherwise it sounds like you might have to put up with it til Friday

Good evening Gaza, Maybe you could try using the sponge mouth swab sticks. They are a lot softer and will pick up any saliva, etc. Amazon sells them.I hope this helps.

                                                          Chris 

Hi my hubby used the sponge swabs and chlorehexidene and thats what hes team advised him. Wishing you all the best x

I was always advised to use a salt and bicarb mouthwash - just made up at home, nothing over the counter - after my surgeries and during CRT.  That worked for me.  I did also brush when I felt I could, but often that was the front teeth and not the molars until some healing had occurred.

Thank you . 

Thank you . 

Thank you .

Hi Gaza

I started my journey in a similar place to you over 5 years ago.

I can't advise on the realities of Proton.  The theory is that it should cause less collateral damage as it operates in a very different manner to traditional radiotherapy.  I suspect the actual side effects will depend very much on where they eventually find your target

I was 65 when I started my RT (I also had chemo) a year ago.  The treatment is tough, but with the right support it is manageable - as is the recovery.  Some of that support will be from your clinical team, some from family and friends and some from on here.  However, you have to take charge and play an active part in your treatment and recovery.  This equally applies to Proton.

Recovery is long and can be equally tough.  Again support and perseverance is required. I agreed with my consultant to manage my expectations on recovery to see a marked improvement at 6 months post treatment.  In the end I saw that improvement well within the 6 month timeframe.  It is often said give a year of our lives to treatment and recovery and we will gain many more good quality years of life.  I do believe that is true.  I am not convinced that going down the Proton road will significantly alter that saying - just to manage expectations.  My recovery is still ongoing. Small improvements every week with occasional setbacks.  However, my quality of life having had CRT is now very good;  it is different to before, but still very good.

Research everything, discuss with your consultant and always advocate for yourself.  Good luck with making your choice and the subsequent treatment.

Hi Chris. You suggested the foam mouth swabs to me a while ago and it was such good advice. I use them all the time and have found they really help with keeping my mouth clean. Thanks for the suggestion. I buy them online as they don't seem to be available over the counter.

Lyn