MOUTH CARE GUIDELINES NEUTROPENIC/THROMBOCYTOPENIC PATIENTS

Patients who have had chemotherapy or are neutropenic, require specific oral hygiene measures to reduce the risk of infection and maintain comfort. 

Neutropenic patients must have their mouth fully assessed daily.

q       Chemotherapy affects fast growing cells and these are found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.  Following chemotherapy patients are encouraged to rinse their mouth qid with normal saline and to clean their teeth BD.

q       When they have a low white count they may also use an antiseptic mouthwash such as Corsodyl.  Frequency and thoroughness of mouth care are more important than the solution used.

q       Patients who have mucositis secondary to chemotherapy may find Corsodyl or other commercial mouthwashes causes discomfort and in some cases may inflame and irritate the mucosa.

q       Patients who have oral thrush require specific treatment with Myocastin mouth wash or a course of oral antifungal medication.

q       Patients with ulcerated or painful mouths may have local anaesthetic mouth washes prior to meals and nocte.