Mouthwash Temperature and Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Radiotherapy

Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RTOM) is a frequent and debilitating side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, leading to pain, nutritional compromise, and potential treatment discontinuation. Cryotherapy and local temperature modulation have been proposed as low-cost, accessible nursing interventions that reduce inflammation through vasoconstriction and analgesia. This randomized trial will assess the clinical efficacy and patient acceptability of temperature-modulated water rinsing as a non-pharmacologic, supportive-care intervention. Subgroup analyses will examine differential responses among patients with dental sensitivity or betel-nut chewing habits.