Walgreens Magic Mouthwash is an oral rinse that is available over the counter. It is commonly used to treat mouth sores, commonly known as stomatitis. Stomatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including chemotherapy treatments, radiation therapy, and certain medications. Magic Mouthwash contains a combination of ingredients that provide relief and help soothe the pain associated with mouth sores. These ingredients typically include anesthetic agents, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, as well as anti-inflammatory agents, antifungal agents, and antibacterial agents. The specific formulation of Magic Mouthwash can vary depending on the individual's needs and the prescribing doctor's preferences.
Miracle mouthwashes may differ from over-the-counter varieties in terms of how long you use the mouthwash. For example, you may swish the magic mouthwash for a longer amount of time, compared to a regular solution. Or you may not be able to eat for a certain amount of time after you rinse your mouth with a magic mouthwash. Ask your doctor for specifics.
It may also contain antibacterial, anesthetic, or antifungal ingredients, to name a few, and those aren t in your typical over-the-counter mouthwashes that are used to freshen breath. Downsides of using magic mouthwash include potential unnecessary medication use, the cost which may be significant given frequent need for a compounding pharmacy and multiple ingredients , as well as non-specificity of the term magic mouthwash, leading to potential ambiguity when communicating prior therapies to a physician.
The specific formulation of Magic Mouthwash can vary depending on the individual's needs and the prescribing doctor's preferences. Some variations may also include antihistamines or corticosteroids to further alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. To use Walgreens Magic Mouthwash, you typically swish it around in your mouth for a certain amount of time, usually about one minute, before spitting it out.
What Is Magic Mouthwash?
Magic mouthwash is a prescription-only topical treatment with the power to ward off mouth sores. But is it a bona fide treatment or sleight of hand? Internal medicine doctor Janet Morgan, MD, unlocks the secrets behind the magic.
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Prescription mouthwashes conjure relief
“Magic mouthwash, sometimes called miracle mouthwash, comes in different formulas,” says Dr. Morgan. “Patients pour some medicated liquid in their mouth, then swish and spit, like they would with normal mouthwash.”
Magic mouthwash is formulated to address mouth sores that could result from:
- Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can affect the cells in the mouth, leading to sores or blisters.
- Oral thrush: If you took a potent antibiotic that wiped out good bacteria, you might develop an overgrowth of yeast that looks like small white bumps on the tongue and palate.
- Viral infection: Many viruses can cause cold or mouth sores, such as the herpes virus and hand, foot and mouth disease (common in young children). HIV can also make you more prone to mouth sores.
- Bacterial infection: The bacteria known as streptococcus infects the throat and tonsils, causing pain.
- Autoimmune diseases: When the body’s immune system attacks its tissues or organs, sores and changes in saliva may occur.
- Behcet’s disease: This rare disorder causes an inflammation of blood vessels in the mouth, leading to sores.
What’s the secret sauce in magic mouthwash?
Dr. Morgan says every formula is different and depends on the person’s specific needs. Magic mouthwash may contain one or more of these ingredients:
- An antibiotic to kill bacteria.
- Antifungal medicine to get yeast back in balance.
- Lidocaine or other numbing medicine to soothe the pain from mouth sores.
- Steroids or antihistamines to reduce inflammation.
- An antacid to coat the mouth and offer relief.
“Sometimes, the mouthwash can be the treatment,” says Dr. Morgan. “But we use it more often to temporarily relieve pain or swelling while we wait for other treatments to resolve the underlying problem.”
Mouthwash is topical, which means it targets just the affected area rather than the entire body. Dr. Morgan says it’s a great alternative to an ingestible medicine that could interact with other drugs a person might be taking for an illness: “Whenever possible, we prefer to start with a topical option.”
How do you use a prescription mouthwash?
“Generally, a person uses the mouthwash four times a day for about a week,” says Dr. Morgan. “You put a teaspoon or two in your mouth then swish it around to coat all the surfaces before spitting it in the sink.”
Dr. Morgan’s other tips for magic mouthwash success:
- Don’t fret if you swallow some — since the dose is small, accidentally swallowing it once or twice won’t harm you.
- Try to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using the mouthwash to give it time to work.
- Solutions with lidocaine numb your mouth and throat, so avoid hot beverages that could burn you without you realizing it.
- Refrigerating the mouthwash will make the experience more pleasant, but it won’t make a big difference if you keep it out. Just shake it well before using.
- Mouthwash will probably last for at least 12 months unless the bottle says otherwise.
- Sharing is not caring. Don’t share the mouthwash among family members, since the formulas differ. Even if two family members both have strep throat, talk with your provider before sharing a mouthwash.
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Note: Long-term (usually longer than 2 week) use of chlorhexidine may discolor the teeth brown or yellow.
It is important not to swallow the rinse as it may contain ingredients that are not meant to be ingested. When using any type of mouthwash, including Magic Mouthwash, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the product packaging. This ensures that you use the rinse correctly and get the maximum benefit from it. While Magic Mouthwash can provide relief for mouth sores, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication or treatment. They can evaluate your specific condition and provide recommendations tailored to your individual needs. In summary, Walgreens Magic Mouthwash is an over-the-counter oral rinse commonly used to treat mouth sores. It contains a combination of ingredients that help alleviate pain and provide relief. It is important to use the rinse as directed and consult with a healthcare professional before using any treatment..
Reviews for "The role of Walgreens Magic Mouthwash in palliative care"
- Brian - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with Walgreens magic mouthwash. I had heard great things about it, but it didn't live up to the hype for me. I found the taste to be extremely unpleasant and overwhelming, and it didn't provide the relief I was hoping for. I also didn't see any improvement in my symptoms after using it for a few days. I'll be sticking to my usual mouthwash from now on.
- Emily - 1 star
I cannot recommend Walgreens magic mouthwash at all. It was completely ineffective in treating my mouth sores and did nothing to alleviate the pain. Not only that, but the taste was absolutely unbearable. It was so strong and medicinal, it made me gag every time I used it. I understand that the taste might not be the highest priority when it comes to a medical product, but if it's so unpleasant that I can't even use it, then what's the point?
- Jessica - 2 stars
I was really hopeful that Walgreens magic mouthwash would help with my mouth sores, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The taste was extremely bitter and left a gross aftertaste in my mouth. I didn't notice any improvement in my symptoms, and it just felt like I was swishing around flavored water. I ended up having to switch to a different brand that provided the relief I was looking for.