Magic Mouthwash: A Magical Solution for Mouth Sores?

Chemotherapy and radiation treatments kill cancer cells, but the treatments can lead to uncomfortable or painful side effects in the mouth and throat, such as oral mucositis. "Magic mouthwash" is the term for an analgesic mouth rinse designed to help relieve the pain of mucositis symptoms. Oral mucositis symptoms include dry mouth, swollen and inflamed gums, difficulty swallowing and mouth sores.

There is no definitive recipe for this special mouth rinse. The mouth rinse usually contains three or more of the following ingredients:

• Antibiotics
• Local anaesthetic
• Antihistamine
• Antifungal
• Corticosteroid
• A coating agent, like a liquid antacid

These ingredients work together to help reduce the risk of infections, relieve pain and reduce swelling inside the mouth. The physician and pharmacist will choose which and how many of the ingredients to use depending on the severity of the mucositis and your symptoms.

If you managed to get your hands on a bottle of it while you were overseas, here are some suggestions on how to use it properly and effectively. Because they are customised for your needs, your special mouth rinse should not be shared with other members of your family, even if they have similar symptoms. Follow the directions on the bottle. Typically you will hold the mouth rinse in your mouth for up to two minutes. Don't eat or drink after using the mouth rinse for at least 30 minutes.

It is common for physicians in the US to prescribe this therapeutic mouth rinse for patients with mucositis. The effectiveness of the rinse depends upon its ingredients and the severity of your symptoms. Be sure to let your physician or dentist know if the mouth rinse is not relieving your oral pain so that you can be re-evaluated.

Mucositis can make eating and drinking painful, especially if you have mouth sores. Thankfully, there are many treatments to relieve pain and help promote healing. You can use over-the-counter paracetamol, ice chips or talk with your physician and dentist about prescription pain medications.

Magic mouthwash is a commonly prescribed treatment in the US for mouth sores caused by mucositis, and it may help ease the pain in your mouth and reduce your risk of infection. If magic mouthwash is something you may have access to during your business trips or travels overseas, talk to your healthcare team to see if this might not be an alternative option for you.