I read an article that honey before radiation helps decrease the severity of mucousitis? Has anyone else heard about this? (Sorry I didn't include the link)

Hi --

I just posted same subject to Adjunctive Therapy forum so look there -- we are trying it, why not? Just so it is out of your mouth by the start of the radiation. Our nurses are interested, they have found several non-drug topical applications to work on their radiation patients --e.g. a camomile/aloe concoction for breast cancer post-radiation worked as well as commercial prep and much less expensive.

We are using active Manuka honey --

Gail

Be careful, you do not want to promote tooth decay. I used GELCLAIR when needed. It is a prescription, ask your RO. You mix it with water and swish. Again, you need to avoid sugars and keep the teeth you have.

Gelclair is effective against pain of mucositis, the honey (supposedly) prevents the sores and also, infection of them with either fungus or bacteria. Maybe. We are trying it --

One way to prevent any tooth problems after eating anything with sugar (which includes a lot of these liquid formulas) is to (after clearing mouth of the sugar-containing material) rinse well with water and then chew a Xylitol-containing gum such as that made by Biotene. My dentist recommends this to all his patients to prevent tooth decay. Incidentally, Trident now has a gum that contains Recalent which is supposed to help remineralize teeth. The gum is sugar-free but does not contain Xylitol (aome other Trident gums do).

Gail