Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse Reviews: Does It Work for Canker Sores?

What is Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse?

Oral B mouth sore rinse is an oral care product designed to provide temporary relief from canker sores, oral pain, irritation, and discomfort. It contains active ingredients like menthol and benzocaine that work together to numb, soothe, and protect irritated areas in the mouth.

Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can develop on the gums, inner cheeks, or tongue. They are also sometimes called mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers. Oral Bs mouth sore rinse aims to provide rapid relief while the sores heal naturally.

How Does It Work?

Oral B mouth sore rinse works through a combination of the following mechanisms:

• Menthol - Provides a cooling, numbing sensation for pain relief
• Benzocaine - A topical anesthetic that temporarily numbs nerve endings
• Chamomile extract - Soothes irritated tissue and reduces inflammation
• Coating action - Forms a protective barrier over sores for healing

Together, these ingredients deliver fast-acting and temporary pain relief while helping to shield canker sores from further irritation as they mend.

Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse Ingredients

Lets take a closer look at the key active ingredients:

Menthol

Menthol is an organic compound derived from mint oils or produced synthetically. It activates cold receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, imparting a cooling sensation.

At the same time, menthol depresses and numbs pain receptors, providing analgesic effects. It reduces the excitability of sensory nerves.

The combination of cooling and numbing makes menthol an excellent ingredient for rapid relief of oral pain and discomfort.

Benzocaine

Benzocaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking sodium channels on nerve cell membranes. This prevents the conduction of signals along nerve fibers.

When applied topically, benzocaine numbs nerve endings in contact with it. This provides temporary pain relief and desensitization of irritated areas.

Benzocaine starts working within seconds, making it very fast-acting. However, the numbing effects only last for a short time until the drug is metabolized.

Chamomile Extract

Chamomile is an herb that has been used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, and healing properties. Scientific research has validated some of these benefits.

Test tube and animal studies show that chamomile exhibits anti-inflammatory activities by reducing pro-inflammatory markers. The flavonoids in chamomile may inhibit enzymes involved in inflammation.

Applying chamomile extract topically can help calm and relax irritated oral tissues. This assists in reducing swelling, discomfort, and sensitivity.

How to Use Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse

Oral B provides directions for proper use of their mouth sore rinse product. Here is how to use it correctly:

1. Shake the bottle before each use.
2. Fill the measuring cap about 15ml and swish in mouth undiluted for 30 seconds.
3. Spit out and avoid rinsing with water afterwards so the coating remains.
4. Use up to 4 times daily as needed for relief.
5. Replace cap tightly after each use.

Only use the amount filled in the cap. Do not swallow the rinse solution. The liquid should coat the affected area to maximize contact time.

Allowing the product to remain on the sores without rinsing improves effectiveness. If possible, avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after use.

For best results, use mouth sore rinse at the first sign of canker sores. However, it can be used at any stage to help manage pain and irritation.

Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse Reviews

Oral B mouth sore rinse earns mostly positive reviews online. Here is an overview of what customers like about the product:

Fast Pain Relief

Many reviews mention getting rapid pain relief from using the Oral B rinse. Both the menthol cooling effect and benzocaine numbing sensation help reduce discomfort fast.

Users say the sore area goes numb within seconds of swishing the rinse. This provides welcome short-term relief while waiting for sores to heal.

Reduces Inflammation

Multiple reviewers comment that regular use decreases inflammation, swelling, and redness around the canker sore. The anti-inflammatory chamomile extract likely contributes to this.

Lowering inflammation helps take down irritation and sensitivity to let sores heal. Users experience less generalized mouth pain.

Protective Coating

Those with frequent canker sores like that the rinse leaves a protective coating over the ulcer. This creates a temporary barrier to shield the area from further irritation.

The coating allows people to eat and talk with less discomfort while waiting for sores to mend.

Convenient Packaging

Reviewers mention the packaging and applicator make the rinse easy to use. The attached measuring cap eliminates guesswork on the proper amount.

The small bottle is convenient for travel or carrying in a purse or pocket for on-the-go relief. Users appreciate the portability.

Potential Downsides

While mostly positive, here are a few potential disadvantages mentioned in oral b mouth sore rinse reviews:

Unpleasant Taste

A common complaint is that the rinse itself has an unpleasant, bitter, or medicinal taste. Many wish it came in more palatable flavors.

However, given you spit it out after 30 seconds, the taste is a brief trade-off for pain relief.

Temporary Effects

Like any oral numbing agent, the pain relief is temporary. Once the active ingredients are cleared from the mouth, sensitivity returns.

Users must re-apply every few hours to maintain effects. It does not speed overall healing time.

Can Sting at First

Some customers report a slight stinging or burning sensation right after using the rinse on extremely irritated sores. This likely goes away as numbness sets in.

Those with very sensitive mouth ulcers may prefer rinses with more soothing formulations.

Not a Cure

This rinse only provides symptom relief but does not treat the cause of canker sores. It does not make them disappear faster.

Those with chronic frequent sores may need to address triggers like stress, dietary deficiencies, allergies, or hormonal shifts.

Tips for Using Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse

Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of oral b mouth sore rinse:

• Rinse gently - Avoid vigorous swishing to prevent irritation.
• Apply with clean hands - To prevent infection, use clean hands when applying product.
• See your dentist - For recurring sores, see your dentist to rule out other causes.
• Use a soft toothbrush - Switch to an extra soft brush until sores heal.
• Monitor ingredients - Check for allergies to benzocaine or menthol.

While generally safe, rinse should not be used by:

• Children under age 12
• Those allergic to ingredients
• People with liver or kidney disease
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Discontinue use if irritation, excessive numbness, or rash occurs. Avoid swallowing the rinse solution.

Alternatives to Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse

Other products people use to temporarily relieve canker sore pain and discomfort include:

Orajel

Like Oral B rinse, Orajel mouth gels contain benzocaine as the active ingredient. It provides a topical numbing effect for temporary pain relief.

Kanka

Kanka is a liquid cautery product that forms a protective coating over mouth sores. The sealed barrier shields ulcers from irritation.

Canker Spank

Canker Spank is an over-the-counter rinse containing menthol, benzocaine, and lidocaine for a triple numbing effect.

Saltwater Rinse

Swishing with a saltwater solution can help draw out fluid to reduce inflammation and soothe pain.

Diluted Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has mild antiseptic properties to help cleanse sores while reducing discomfort.

Safety Tips for Benzocaine

While generally safe when used as directed, here are some benzocaine precautions:

• Dont exceed recommended dosage
• Avoid contact with eyes and ears
• Rinse thoroughly if numbing extends to unintended areas
• Discontinue if irritation or swelling occurs
• Dont use if allergic or previously had reaction

Signs of benzocaine overdose or allergic reaction include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion
• Severe rash
• Swelling

Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms develop.

Is Oral B Mouth Sore Rinse Right for You?

Oral B mouth sore rinse can provide quick relief from the pain and discomfort of canker sores. It allows you to temporarily numb and protect irritating ulcers while eating, drinking, and talking.

However, it only masks symptoms rather than speeding healing. For chronic or severe mouth sores, see your dentist or doctor to address any underlying factors.

Use medicated numbing rinses as directed and take precautions with benzocaine. Discontinue use if any worrisome reactions occur.

Combined with proper oral hygiene and paying attention to any dietary triggers, Oral Bs rinse may provide welcome temporary relief when bothersome canker sores pop up.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.