The effectiveness of mouthwashes in the prevention and treatment of radiation induced-stomatitis in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review

Amirabadi, Amir; Askarian, Elaheh; Moazzen, Nasrin; Ravanshad, Yalda

doi:10.22038/rcm.2025.82418.1506

The effectiveness of mouthwashes in the prevention and treatment of radiation induced-stomatitis in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review

Document Type : Systematic review

Authors

Amir Amirabadi ¹

Elaheh Askarian ¹

Nasrin Moazzen ²

Yalda Ravanshad ¹

¹ Medical school of Islamic Azad University

² 2. Allergy Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

10.22038/rcm.2025.82418.1506

Abstract

Background/Objective:
Head and neck cancer treatment often leads to stomatitis, influenced by multiple factors. Mouthwashes, with diverse formulations, offer potential therapeutic benefits. This study examines the relationship between stomatitis severity improvement post-radiotherapy and mouthwash use, considering patient characteristics like gender, age, duration, and dosage.
Methods:
A systematic review (2015–2023) evaluated mouthwash efficacy for radiotherapy-induced stomatitis. Searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library identified clinical trials, cohort, and case-control studies. Inclusion criteria focused on mouthwash effectiveness; quality was assessed using the Jadad scale.
Results:
Out of 480 screened studies, 16 met inclusion criteria. Traditional antiseptic mouthwashes (e.g., chlorhexidine) reduced infection risk but had mixed effects on pain and inflammation. Specialized formulations (e.g., aloe vera, honey, benzydamine) improved pain relief and mucosal healing. Combination therapies showed the best outcomes, though study variability limited conclusions.
Conclusion:
Mouthwashes, from antiseptics to specialized formulations, show potential for managing stomatitis. Antiseptics reduce infection, while specialized products aid pain relief and healing. Personalized interventions and further research are needed to optimize formulations for diverse patients.

Keywords

Mouthwashes

Prevention

Treatment

Stomatitis

Head and neck cancer