Magic mouthwash is an oral rinse used to treat mouth sores caused by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It typically contains a combination of ingredients like diphenhydramine, lidocaine, and antacids or corticosteroids. Magic mouthwash helps provide temporary pain relief by numbing the mouth and throat. When searching for substitutes, the goal is to find options with similar soothing and pain-relieving effects.
Why Seek Substitutes?
There are a few reasons why finding magic mouthwash substitutes may be necessary:
- To avoid certain ingredients you may be allergic or sensitive to
- Insurance may not cover the cost of magic mouthwash
- Difficulty obtaining magic mouthwash quickly from a pharmacy
- Want options you can easily mix at home
Homemade Magic Mouthwash Recipes
Many homemade formulations try to replicate the soothing effects of magic mouthwash using more readily available ingredients:
Basic Homemade Magic Mouthwash
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
The baking soda helps neutralize acid and the salt creates an isotonic solution that draws out mouth inflammation and swelling. This basic recipe can provide temporary relief but lacks anesthetic properties.
Homemade Magic Mouthwash with Anesthetic
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp benzocaine oral gel (20% solution)
Adding benzocaine, a local anesthetic, can help numb painful mouth sores and irritated tissues. Use benzocaine sparingly to avoid numbness in the mouth/throat.
Homemade Magic Mouthwash with Hydrocortisone
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp hydrocortisone oral paste (0.5% solution)
The hydrocortisone in this recipe will help reduce inflammation. Make sure not to swallow the rinse when using any formulation containing hydrocortisone.
Other Helpful Ingredients and Options
Here are some other options that can mimic the soothing effects of magic mouthwash:
- Oral analgesics – Over-the-counter oral pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help temporarily reduce mouth pain.
- Oral anesthetics – Products like Orajel or Anbesol contain benzocaine to numb mouth pain.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Diluted hydrogen peroxide has mild antiseptic properties to keep mouth sores clean.
- Chamomile tea bags – Soothe irritated tissues by holding a cool chamomile tea bag against mouth sores.
- Aloe vera gel – The cooling effect of aloe vera gel can temporarily ease mouth pain.
When to See a Doctor
While these substitutes may provide relief, consult a doctor if:
- Mouth sores worsen or fail to improve within 2 weeks of starting treatment
- Severe pain makes it difficult to eat, drink, or swallow
- You develop a fever over 100.5°F
- Mouth sores bleed easily or do not heal
Unresolved mouth sores can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Seek medical care if home remedies do not help manage symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Magic mouthwash is an effective oral rinse but not always easily accessible. While homemade formulations may come close, it’s difficult to exactly replicate medicated mouthwash. Work with your doctor to find suitable substitutes or special access to magic mouthwash if it’s determined to be the best treatment option for your mouth sores.