Effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwashes in the treatment of oral mucositis and quality of life in patients with cancer under chemotherapy

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwashes on oral mucositis and quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Design: The present study was a randomized controlled trial study. Methods: One hundred forty-four patients with a cancer diagnosis were randomly assigned into three groups: sodium bicarbonate mouthwash (n = 48), zinc chloride mouthwash (n = 48) and placebo group (n = 48). The severity of mucositis and quality of life were examined blindly at the baseline and 3-week follow-up. Results: The grade of oral mucositis decreased at the end of the third weeks in the sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride groups rather than the placebo group (p