Mouth care for mucositis due to radiation therapy

Protocols for the control and treatment of oral mucositis as a side effect of radiation therapy are absent in current nursing literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two oral care protocols on physical condition of the mouth and perception of comfort in patients receiving external radiation therapy to the head and neck area. Fifteen patients prescribed a minimum of 5,000 rads were randomly assigned to follow one of two specific Mouth Care Protocols: half-strength hydrogen peroxide or a solution of baking soda and water. Scores of physical condition of the mouth and perception of comfort were obtained using the Oral Examination and Perception Guides. The findings revealed a significant difference at the 0.05 level in the mean scores of perception of comfort in patients using half-strength hydrogen peroxide. The results of this study suggest that the systematic performance of oral care may be more effective in minimizing the destructive effects of radiation on the oral mucosa than the oral agent used. It also appears that consistency in both person and frequency of reinforcement promotes patient compliance.