If you have painful canker sores in your mouth or throat due to an infection, chemotherapy, or other medical condition, it can be difficult to find relief. The so-called "magic mouthwash" is a soothing cocktail of topical medications that can reduce pain and accelerate wound healing. The best way to get it is to ask your doctor for a prescription, but in this article you will also find advice on how to make a simpler version at home that will give you quick relief.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Magic Light Mouthwash
Step 1. Mix Benadryl and Maalox in equal parts
You can make a simpler, lighter version of the magic mouthwash by mixing liquid diphenhydramine hydrochloride (e.g. Benadryl) with liquid aluminum or magnesium hydroxide (e.g. Maalox or Magnesia). The quantities should be equal (for example, 30 ml of each drug).
- Benadryl is an anticholinergic and antihistamine drug that can help reduce inflammation and pain. Maalox, an antacid, adheres to the mucous membranes of the mouth and protects the sores as they heal.
- Both products are readily available in pharmacies.
- Unlike the mouthwash sold on prescription, the "light" version does not contain any anesthetizing agent; however, it can still soothe canker sores and promote rapid healing.
Step 2. Run mouthwash rinses every 4-6 hours
Use a measuring cup or syringe to dose 5 to 10ml of mouthwash; rinse it in your mouth making sure it reaches all affected areas, then spit it out.
- It won't hurt if you accidentally swallow a small amount, but Benadryl may make you drowsy.
- You can also apply the mouthwash directly to the painful areas with a cotton swab.
- You may need to do the treatment for about a week before you begin to feel the full benefits.
Step 3. Avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes after using the mouthwash
Eating or drinking too soon would remove the protective coating and the treatment would not be as effective. Let the residue from the mouthwash sit in your mouth for at least half an hour before you ingest anything else.
Step 4. Do salt water rinses if you are looking for a gentle and effective alternative
Studies show that salt water rinses are as effective as magic mouthwash in treating canker sores, as well as being less likely to cause side effects. To make the solution, dissolve one teaspoon of salt and two teaspoons of baking soda in 240ml of hot water. Rinse the mixture in your mouth, focusing on the canker sores, then spit it out.
Use it every 4-6 hours or as often as you need to soothe the pain in your mouth
Method 2 of 3: Prescription Magic Mouthwash
Step 1. Ask your doctor for mouthwash to treat canker sores or other changes in the oral mucosa
A prescription is the easiest way to get these types of mouthwash. If you have sores in your mouth, ask your doctor to prescribe a product tailored for you; if you think it is a suitable therapy, you can buy it at the pharmacy and start using it right away.
- The mouthwash formulation can vary, but usually consists of a mixture of antibiotics, steroids or antihistamines, antifungals, and an anesthetizing agent (such as lidocaine).
- The pharmacist may prepare the mouthwash using a prepackaged kit or mix a specific one according to the doctor's directions.
Step 2. Ask your doctor if he can prescribe the individual ingredients so you can mix the mouthwash yourself
In some cases, your doctor may give special instructions for making your own mouthwash using separately purchased ingredients; you may need a prescription from him for some substances, such as viscous lidocaine. Follow his directions carefully to make sure you use the right amount of each ingredient and mix everything correctly.
- For example, he may recommend that you mix 1 to 3 parts of Maalox with 1 part of viscous lidocaine.
- The benefit of making your own mouthwash is that it is usually less expensive than the pre-mixed prescription version.
Step 3. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding dosage
Depending on the contents of the mouthwash, you may receive different instructions on how to use it; in most cases, the indicated dosage is 5-10 ml every 4-6 hours. You may need to rinse for a while, for example 1-2 minutes, before spitting out the mouthwash.
- Ask your doctor if you need to spit or swallow the mouthwash - depending on the case, they may recommend that you swallow it to treat ulcers in your throat or esophagus.
- Your doctor will tell you how long to keep using the mouthwash. Relief usually begins after about a week.
Step 4. Treat the root cause of the problem
Magic mouthwash is sometimes used to treat the symptoms of a more serious condition; in these cases it may not be enough, on its own, to eliminate canker sores. Consult your doctor about other medications or treatments that can be safely used in combination with mouthwash.
For example, you may need additional drug treatment if the sores are caused by oral thrush, the herpes virus, or an autoimmune disease
Method 3 of 3: Precautions
Step 1. Contact your doctor if you notice any side effects
The most common ones are burning, tingling, diarrhea, nausea and constipation; you may also feel drowsy or have a change in your sense of taste. Side effects are usually mild and go away after you stop using the mouthwash. However, don't hesitate to call your doctor if you experience a symptom that worries you.
- Side effects are more likely to occur if you swallow mouthwash rather than spit it out.
- If you accidentally swallow a large amount of mouthwash, call your doctor or poison control center; keep the bottle handy so that you can indicate exactly what substances you have ingested.
Step 2. Don't try to make a mouthwash yourself that requires a prescription
Mouthwashes can contain a variety of ingredients, and not all doctors agree on which combination works best. Furthermore, many of the more commonly used components are available only by prescription. For your safety, do not try to mix medications without having received precise instructions from a doctor or pharmacist.
The doctor will be able to determine the best combination for your needs
Step 3. Ask your doctor for confirmation before giving a child the magic mouthwash
Some typical ingredients in these mouthwashes, such as lidocaine, can be dangerous for young children. Only give mouthwash to a child if the doctor has prescribed it or tells you it's okay.
If your child has canker sores, your doctor may recommend that you start with a more gentle treatment, such as water, salt, and baking soda rinses
Warnings
- If symptoms such as rashes, wheezing, tightness in the chest and throat appear, call the emergency room right away. This could be an allergic reaction.
- Excessive use of magic mouthwash can cause numbness and pain.
