Magic Mouthwash Lite
Combine equal parts Benadryl and Maalox. You can make your own simple magic mouthwash by mixing the liquid forms of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (often sold as Benadryl) and aluminum or magnesium hydroxide (Maalox or Mylanta). Stir together equal amounts of each medication—for example, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) each. Benadryl is an anticholinergic and antihistamine, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. The Maalox coats the inside of your mouth and protects the sores as they heal. You can get Benadryl and Maalox or Mylanta in your drug store or the pharmacy section of the grocery store. Unlike the prescription version of magic mouthwash, the “lite” version doesn’t have any numbing agents in it. However, it can still soothe your sores and help them heal faster.
Swish the magic mouthwash once every 4-6 hours. Use a medicine cup or syringe to measure out 1–2 teaspoons (4.9–9.9 mL) of mouthwash. Swish it around in your mouth to coat the sore spots, then spit it out. It won’t hurt you if you accidentally swallow a little bit, but the Benadryl might make you drowsy. You can also dab the mouthwash directly on any sore areas with a cotton swab. You might need to use the magic mouthwash for about a week to start feeling the full benefits.
Avoid eating or drinking for about 30 minutes after you use it. If you eat or drink too soon, you’ll wash away the protective coating and it won’t be as effective. Let the mouthwash sit in your mouth for at least half an hour first.
Make a saltwater rinse as a gentle and effective alternative. Studies show that saltwater rinses are just as effective at treating mouth sores as magic mouthwash, and they’re less likely to cause side effects. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve 1 tsp (6 g) of salt and 2 tsp (9 g) of baking soda in 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of warm water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth to coat the sores, then spit it out. Use this rinse every 4-6 hours or as often as you need to soothe your mouth pain.
Prescription Magic Mouthwash
Ask your doctor about magic mouthwash if you have mouth sores. A prescription is the easiest way to get magic mouthwash. If you have sores in your mouth, ask your doctor for a prescription that’s tailored to your needs. If they think it’s right for you, you can pick it up from your local pharmacy and start using it right away. Magic mouthwash formulas vary, but most of them contain a mixture of antibiotics, antifungals, steroids or antihistamines, and some sort of numbing agent (such as lidocaine). Your pharmacist might make a magic mouthwash using a premade kit, or mix up a specialized one based on your doctor’s orders.
Get the ingredients from your doctor to mix your own. In some cases, your doctor may give you special instructions to make your own magic mouthwash from ingredients you can purchase separately. You might need a prescription for some of the ingredients, such as viscous lidocaine. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to make sure you mix it correctly and use the right amount of each ingredient. For instance, your doctor might recommend mixing 1 to 3 parts Maalox with 1 part viscous lidocaine. One advantage of mixing your own mouthwash is that it is usually less expensive than the pre-mixed prescription version.
Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions carefully. Depending on what’s in the mouthwash, your doctor might have different instructions on how to use it. In most cases, they’ll probably tell you to swish 1–2 teaspoons (4.9–9.9 mL) every 4-6 hours. You may need to swish the mouthwash for a certain amount of time, such as 1-2 minutes, before spitting it out. Ask your doctor if you should spit or swallow the mouthwash. In some cases, they may advise you to swallow the mouthwash to treat ulcers in your throat or esophagus. Your doctor will tell you how long to keep using the magic mouthwash. Typically, you’ll start to feel relief in about a week.
Treat the underlying cause of your mouth sores. Sometimes, magic mouthwash is used to treat the symptoms of a larger condition. In these cases, it may not be enough to get rid of your mouth sores on its own. Talk to your doctor about safely using other medications or treatments along with magic mouthwash. For example, you might need other treatments along with magic mouthwash if your sores are caused by oral thrush, the herpes virus, or an autoimmune disease.
Safety Precautions
Talk to your doctor if you notice side effects. Burning, tingling, diarrhea, nausea, and constipation are the most common side effects of magic mouthwash. You might also have problems with drowsiness or changes in your sense of taste. The side effects are usually mild, and they’ll go away after you stop using magic mouthwash. However, don’t hesitate to call your doctor if something is worrying you. You’re more likely to notice side effects if you swallow your magic mouthwash instead of spitting it out. If you accidentally swallow a large amount of magic mouthwash, call your doctor or a poison control center. Keep the bottle on hand so you can tell them what ingredients are in your mouthwash.
Don’t try to make a prescription-strength mouthwash on your own. Magic mouthwashes can contain a wide variety of ingredients, and not all doctors agree on what combination works best. A lot of the common ingredients are also available only by prescription. For your own safety, don’t start mixing medicines without special instructions from a doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will be able to determine the balance of ingredients that’s right for your needs.
Ask your doctor before giving magic mouthwash to kids. Some of the common ingredients in magic mouthwash, such as lidocaine, can be dangerous for small children. Only give magic mouthwash to a child if your doctor prescribes it or says it’s okay. If your child has mouth sores, your doctor might recommend starting with a gentler treatment, such as a saltwater and baking soda rinse.
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