Hygiene and Mouth Care

Good hygiene is important to any child, but is very important for the child getting chemotherapy.

  • Understand that hand washing is the best way to prevent illness.
  • Encourage daily bathing and carefully look at the skin for sores, rashes or signs of infection.
  • Very carefully clean the buttocks, rectum and urinary areas to help minimize infection.
  • Do not insert objects such as thermometers, suppositories, etc. into the rectum
  • Make sure your child receives mouth care.
    • Have your child brush his / her teeth with a soft toothbrush or toothette sponge 2 times per day.
    • For infants, wrap a soft cloth around your finger and gently wipe your infant’s teeth and gums with water.
    • Use lip balm or ointment to keep lips moist.
  • You should have regular visits to a dentist.
    • Please tell your doctor before your child goes to the dentist. Your child will need antibiotics if he / she has a port of central line (PICC, Hickman).
    • Blood counts may need to be checked prior to visiting your dentist.
  • Some chemo can cause your child to have mouth sores on any surface in the mouth or digestive tract.
    • Use medicines to help with this discomfort.
    • Encourage fluids so your child does not become dehydrated.
    • If pain persists or mouth sores worsen, contact the clinic for further management.