Scripps Cancer Center

Oral Cryotherapy to Prevent Oral Mucositis

Oral mucositis is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. It affects up to 80% of patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy. Mucositis is the inflammation of the tissue that lines the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth. In the mouth, this may present as pain or ulcerative lesions (sores). These changes can cause problems with eating, talking, or swallowing.

Oral cryotherapy is a low-cost and easy way to lower the risk of developing oral mucositis from chemotherapy. It is performed by cooling the inside of the mouth before, during, and/or after chemotherapy with ice chips or other alternative cooling agents. This causes the blood vessels in the mouth to constrict and lessens the amount of the chemotherapy drug that reaches the mucosa.

Your nurse or provider will instruct you how long to hold ice chips, or alternative cooling agent, in your mouth. This may be done before, during, and/or after your chemotherapy infusion. Depending on your chemotherapy regimen, the length of time you hold the cooling agent in your mouth may differ for the oral cryotherapy to be effective. Discuss with your care team based on your chemotherapy treatment plan.

Ice cubes, cold water, popsicles, or ice cream are all good cooling agent options.