Relief From Oral Mucositis

What is oral mucositis?

Oral mucositis is an inflammatory condition of the tissues that line the mouth and throat.  It can be exquisitely painful.  It is caused by many medications, medical conditions, and treatment for oral cancer.  Currently, paychotherapy, analgesics, and oral rinses are all part of the armamentarium against oral mucositis.  Some of the formulas include chamomile, antiseptics, immunomodulatory agents, topical anesthetics, and antibacterial agents.  In addition, some compounds include antifungal agents, antiviral agents, mucosal barriers, and coating agents.  Many different approaches are being evaluated because there is still such a large unmet medical need.

A new study has found that doxepin rinse may result in a modest but significant improvement in mouth and throat pain over a four hour period.  It is both an anesthetic and analgesic.

Source: J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(15):1571-1577, from ChemotherapyAdvisor

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309