Canker sores are small and painful ulcers that usually appear in two places within the mouth, under the tongue and inside the lower lip. This is why the use of mouthwash as a treatment of canker sores have been a reliable solution for canker sore remedy. However, it is also important to avoid acidic foods such as citrus foods or foods that are spicy to prevent the aggravation of the sore while making use of mouthwashes to ensure quick healing of the mouth sores.
Diphenhydramine suspension
The best mouthwash for canker sores is an over-the-counter mouthwash solution known as diphenhydramine suspension commonly known as Benadryl allergy liquid.
Diphenhydramine suspension can be used as a mouth rinse that can function as a topical anesthetic making it the best mouthwash for canker sores. The suspension should be maintained in the mouth and swished within the mouth for 30 seconds up to one minute prior to spitting for better results. It is important not to swallow the mouthwash.
Tetracycline antibiotic
Tetracycline antibiotic rinse can also be considered the best mouthwash for canker sores since this kind of prescription mouth rinse has been effective in relieving pain while promoting the healing of canker sores.
However, tetracycline is not advised for use by pregnant women as well as by people who are allergic to tetracycline. Children under 16 years of age are also not allowed to use this kind of antibiotic rinse.
Anti-inflammatory steroid mouth rinses may also be prescribed by a health provider to reduce inflammation.
Home remedies
Benadryl liquid can also be mixed with milk of magnesia to form a mouth rinse which is considered a home remedy.
Another natural remedy is the use of goldenseal mouth rinse or deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) which is gargled in warm water and saltwater rinses.
Canker sores are the most prevalent type of an oral lesion that affects about 20 percent of people that is why mouth rinse type home remedies are important to enable the speed relief of pain brought about by the sores. Women are mostly affected by this painful ulcer which appears in white, gray or yellow color accompanied by a red border.