I just re-read your signature. Chemo can cause bad breath and also leave a very strong chemical like body odor (especially if you are getting Cisplatin). Chemo also does a number on the stmach lining as well so anti acids may help, since a lot of bad breath issues are stomach related. I don't believe that you want the type with magnesium though, stick with Famatodine (Pepcid AC). Get a prescription so you don't have to buy it over the counter.

Hi Gary, Chemo hasn't started yet. Sorry but being an aussie makes me put the dates different. It starts on the 15th of this month. We just like to be different in this country. I wouldn't say his breath is bad smelling, just a strong smell of a night. I can kiss him no problems and smell nothing. But of a night he seems to get an excess of saliva and it has an odour of .... saliva I suppose. Not too sure. But I'll keep your advise in my list of things I need to know so that if this happens during chemo I'll be prepared. Thanks.

Maybe part of the odor is from the teeth removal. I had mine removed and even I could smell the odor at times . I would get up and rinse my mouth and brush what i could inside my mouth.

There are lots of flora changes in the mouth of someone that is going through treatment, and it is also hard for them to keep their mouths really clean because of the discomfort in doing so. That some of them have bad breath isn't really a surprise. But having stated that, it is a good idea that the docs, or the dentist involved take a good look around to be sure there are no other contributing things like an abscess or something else. In my own case the most painful thing was to keep my tongue clean (I brush it now) because of all the mucocitis sores on it, and it is a great place for foul smelling bacteria to collect in between all those papilla.

I smelt something today...not sure if cancer or not, it did go away...the dog however DOES know something isn't right....I think...

Brian, I'll push him to mouthwash more...even if he hates me for it...

My father has oral cancer for 5 years now...gone untreated because he has refused treatment....now the tumor has almost covered the bottom of his face...anyway the odor described of rotting flesh is the smell that was coming from my dad...my brother who has just gone to visit dad said there is a "different odor" along with it and he described it as "barley" smelling or chlorine....any thoughts from anyone?? thanks!