The following can help patients who have mouth sores:

• Eat soft foods that are easy to chew, such as milkshakes, scrambled eggs, and custards.
• Cook foods until soft and tender.
• Cut food into small pieces. Use a blender or food processor to make food smooth.
• Suck on ice chips to numb and soothe your mouth.
• Eat foods cold or at room temperature. Hot foods can hurt your mouth.
• Drink with a straw to move liquid past the painful parts of your mouth.
• Use a small spoon to help you take smaller bites, which are easier to chew.
• Stay away from the following:
  • Citrus foods, such as oranges, lemons, and limes.
  • Spicy foods.
  • Tomatoes and ketchup.
  • Salty foods.
  • Raw vegetables.
  • Sharp and crunchy foods.
  • Drinks with alcohol.
• Do not use tobacco products.
• Visit a dentist at least 2 weeks before starting immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to the head and neck.
• Check your mouth each day for sores, white patches, or puffy and red areas.
• Rinse your mouth 3 to 4 times a day. Mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup warm water for a mouth rinse. Do not use mouthwash that contains alcohol.
• Do not use toothpicks or other sharp objects.
• Keep foods and drinks covered, drink through a straw, turn a kitchen fan on when cooking, or cook outdoors if smells bother you.
• Brush your teeth and take care of your mouth. Visit your dentist for checkups.