Magic Mouthwash - Uses and Benefits

Introduction

Mouth sores caused due forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy are very painful (oral mucositis). Magic mouthwash is used to treat these mouth sores. This mouthwash does not have a standard formula but contains at least three essential ingredients. This provides better relief of pain than flavored water mouthwash among those who have mouth sores due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

What Is Magic Mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash is a chemical solution used for mouth sores caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This solution stops cytokine-mediated inflammation and yeast colonization of the oral mucosa caused due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This solution contains at least three basic ingredients: an antihistamine, antacid, anesthetic, antifungal, antibiotic, or corticosteroid. A different version of it may be used for orthodontic purposes also. Other names of magic mouthwash are:

• Miracle mouthwash.

• Mixed medicated mouthwash.

• Duke’s magic mouthwash.

• Kaiser’s magic mouthwash.

• Mary’s magic mouthwash.

These have slightly different ingredients in different proportions. This can be used by both adults and children. Most commonly used by children and younger adults as they develop mouth sores faster because they shed the older cells faster and develop mouth sores.

What Are the Uses of Magic Mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash is also known as miracle mouthwash. It comes in various forms. This magic mouthwash is used as any other mouthwash by putting it inside the mouth, swishing, and then spitting it out. These are used for mouth sores caused due to various reasons. They are:

• Cancer: Mouth sores may be caused during cancer treatment due to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

• Candidiasis: When antibiotics are taken, sometimes it wipes out good bacteria. This may develop an overgrowth of yeast which may look like small white bumps on the tongue and palate.

• Infection Due to Virus: Many viruses may cause infections like herpes virus, hand, foot, mouth disease, HIV, etc. These conditions cause mouth sores in affected individuals.

• Infections Due to Bacteria: Many bacterias cause throat and tonsil infections. These may, in turn, cause pain and infections in them.

• Autoimmune Disorders: When an individual’s immune system attacks its tissues or organs, changes in the oral cavity, like sores and saliva, may occur.

• Behcet’s Disease: This rare disorder causes an inflammation of blood vessels in the mouth, leading to mouth sores.

What Are the Various Forms of Magic Mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash has various forms, and it may be selected based on the specific needs of the individuals. It is a mixture of powder and liquid that may contain basic essential ingredients. Ingredients that may be present in the mouthwash are:

• Antibiotic: Antibiotics are generally used to stop bacterial infections.

• Antifungal: These are used during fungal infections.

• Anesthetic: These are added to mouthwash to have a soothing effect.

• Antihistamine: These are used to reduce swelling.

• Steroids: These are used to reduce redness and swelling due to inflammation.

• Antacid: It is used to coat the mouth.

Any three ingredients may be present to form a magic mouthwash. Among the forms of mouthwash, one formulation suggested by National Cancer Institute includes antifungals like Nystatin, an antihistamine like Diphenhydramine, and steroids like Dexamethasone. A well-known formulation includes anesthetics like viscous Lidocaine 2 percent, an antihistamine like Diphenhydramine, and antacids like Aluminum hydroxide, Maalox, or Mylanta.

In some conditions, mouthwashes are the treatments to be given, but most of the time, these mouthwashes are used to relieve pain or swelling, and other treatments are used to solve the underlying problem. Its use is topical. It acts only on the affected area rather than the entire body. Hence this can be used as an alternative to other medication, which has to be taken through the mouth, and it gets interacts inside the body with another drug that may be taken for another illness in the same individual. It is always better to adapt to topical options to ease the problem.

What Is the Method of Using Magic Mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash is available only if it is prescribed in a prescription. It is prepared in a pharmacy by pharmacists. They mix the medications and prepare the magic mouthwash. They use the rarely available medications as well. These can be kept in the refrigerator for 90 days.

Method to use magic mouthwash:

• Take a dose of magic mouthwash in a spoon or measuring cap.

• After putting it into the mouth, gently swish it for one to two minutes.

• Spit it out. Swallowing may show side effects.

• For about 30 minutes, avoid eating or drinking. This helps in the stay of mouthwash in the mouth for longer periods and allows healing.

Generally, magic mouthwash is to be used four times a day for four weeks.

What Are the Side Effects of Magic Mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash contains strong medications. Like all other medications, even these cause side effects. These may worsen the oral symptoms and result in oral problems.

• Dryness of mouth.

• Burning or stinging.

• Tingling sensation in the mouth.

• Mouth sores or irritation.

• Loss or change of taste.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Constipation.

• Diarrhea.

• Feeling drowsy.

Side effects last for a few days to a few weeks after stopping the usage of magic mouthwash.

How Effective Is the Magic Mouthwash?

Magic mouthwash help in the treatment of mouth sores. It is difficult to know how well it works. One of the studies showed oral cryotherapy, in which cold therapy is used to treat the sores and irritated areas of the mouth, was better among some individuals without causing side effects.

Another study showed that Morphine mouthwash was better than magic mouthwash for treating mouth sores. Researchers have found that magic mouthwash was as effective as 0.15 percent Benzylamine hydrochloride in preventing mouth sores in individuals undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

What Are the Other Alternatives for Magic Mouthwash?

Other alternatives are:

• Chlorhexidine mouthwash.

• Calcium phosphate rinse.

• Mouthwash is made of baking soda and salt.

• Oral gel.

• Palifermin treats and prevents mouth sores in individuals affected by cancer. These are given intravenously.

Further research is required to know how effective magic mouthwashes are in treating mouth sores.

Conclusion

Magic mouthwash is made up of chemicals, and it must be used only through prescription. As it may cause side effects, its use should be based on the healthcare provider’s advice. Knowing about it in detail helps one to seek help for the treatment of mouth sores. Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment.