Good dental hygiene is always important and should continue throughout your child’s treatment. A healthy mouth is very important.

During treatment, your child will be at greater risk of developing a sore mouth. Because of this, you need to check your child’s mouth regularly the nursing staff will discuss this with you.

Tooth brushing

Good tooth brushing is essential to a healthy mouth. It should be done at least twice a day after meals; more often if possible. There are many toothbrushes for children available, we recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush especially designed for children and toothpaste high in fluoride. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months.

Please note: If your child’s mouth is too sore for a toothbrush, we can provide alternatives whilst in hospital.

Sore mouths

Some drugs can cause a sore mouth, which may lead to mouth ulcers. If this happens it is usually about five to ten days after the drugs are given and they usually clear up within three to four weeks.

Please contact the ward immediately if you notice any of the following or if you are at all worried that your child may have a sore mouth.

1. Your child complains of a sore mouth
2. Your child refuses to eat or drink.
3. Your child complains that brushing their teeth hurts.
4. Your child’s gums bleed or ulcers appear.
5. You feel that your child has a sore mouth, e.g. mouth looks sore and red.

Please do not wait to see if your child’s mouth improves, it may not. It may get worse and cause serious problems.

Dentists

Your child should visit the dentist every six months whether having treatment or not. However, it is important that your dentist knows your child is having treatment with us and you must let him/her know. If your child is due for a visit to the dentist, or needs to see a dentist at any time, let us know and we can then talk to your dentist.

For further advice please discuss with your nurse or consultant.