Im so glad you have found OCF. We will help you with all this info. Its a god thing that you have started to do research to help yoru mother. I do not know what other countries offer in their cancer treatment centers so its not possible for anyone here to know if her doctors are following procedures. Best thing that can be done is to have an educated patient and caregiver. That way you can speak up and ask questions and insist that she gets what she needs.

Yes, your mother needs to find a dentist right away. She needs to get the dental trays and begin the flouride treatments as soon as she can. Even with a sore mouth, the trays need to be used daily. Radiation can do alot of damage to teeth. I used the trays but I still had problems and eventually had to have my teeth removed. Even though she didnt start out with the trays, she can still use them. Only time will tell if any damage has already been done.

She needs to stretch her mouth open wide and hold it for 7 seconds. Do the exercise 7 times in a row and repeat it & times daily. This will help her to avoid getting trismus which is no fun!

Her blood counts should be monitored if she is receiving chemo. As far as pain meds go, once her mouth starts to get sore it will be difficult for her to eat. Ask for magic mouthwash which is a combo of lidocaine, malox and benedryl. There are several variations for this medicine. She should swish it around in her mouth for about 10-15 seconds then spit it out. That will help numb her mouth long enough for her to eat easier. She also should start using pain meds if she begins to feel pain. Make sure she lets you know if she is uncomfortable. Nobody should have to hurt, it does not help the patient at all.

I wish you and your mother all the best.