too many mouth washes - which for what?

[midlifemom]

Hi folks, I hope everyone is doing well today!
My question is specific to the salt/soda mouthwash vs Biotene.
I started with the salt/soda wash, which I understood was to prevent mouth sores.
It didn't, so now I'm getting a script for Magic Mouthwash.

The past few days my mouth has been so dry and thanks to the collective knowledge here I learned that can cause dental issues.
so I sent hubby out for Biotene which offers some relief.
So will Biotene take the place of the salt/soda as well? Or does it only cover dry mouth and not mouth sore prevention?
thanks for your answers as always,
robin

[juliej]

Robin, the Biotene is for dry mouth and the salt/soda is for mouth sores. However, the Biotene soothes oral irritations so it will help some of the soreness too.

One other thing you might try is kefir. It's a pro-biotic yogurt drink (similar to a milk shake) that's available in some regular grocery stores and virtually all health food stores. Just put some in your mouth, swish it around and hold it in your mouth for a few minutes, then swallow. Some patients have great success with it preventing mouth sores. It's worth a try!

[midlifemom]

Thanks I will put kefir on my grocery list!

[gep]

Actually, my husband never did the salt thing. He swished biotene every day twice a day and it really helped to prevent mouth sores. Don't know if it's really for getting rid of them, though.
Gloria

[rosa01]

Just wanted to say make sure there is no alcohol in your mouth wash. My DH uses salt water when on chemo and it works sometimes. He has also used I believe it called Magic mouth wash which I couldn't find it at our pharmacy so I order it from Amazon. He helped also.


Sheila

[AngelaN]

My husband is using Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste and Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash and has only had 1 ulcer in 8 rounds of chemo. He rinses with the mouthwash every 3 hours. Yes, it's a PIA, but it works. He also used a baking soda/salt rinse as well initially but hasn't used it in about a month.
You need to avoid any toothpaste with Sodium Laurel Sulfate in it. That is the chemical that can potentiate the ulcers. Pretty much EVERY toothpaste has SLS in it, so I would go to a natural products store - Whole Foods or the equivalent for the TTO toothpaste and mouthwash. And for sure, no alcohol in any mouthwash.
Magic Mouthwash should be used if you get an ulcer.

[gtownguy]

When my mouth was so incredibly sore during chemo, I was told the key thing is to avoid mouthwash with any alcohol in it. I've used the Biotene mouthwash for times when I have dry mouth, but for just general use I've been using Tom's of Maine mouthwash which contains no alcohol. I also tried the salt & banking soda recipe but gargling that didn't do much for me.