I use what is called a "miracle mouthwash (lidocaine, Benadryl and Maalox). I am allergic to Benadryl so I don't use it, but the other 2 together swished around and then swallowed helps a GREAT deal. I also frequently rinse with diluted Listerine (2/3 mouthwash and 1/3 water). I also use only children's toothpaste. It is very important when brushing (frequently) to also clean the sores with the toothpaste. They say to brush them, but I find that too painful so I use a Q-Tip. Eating 4tbl sp of plain yogurt daily helps to lessen outbreaks. Colgate Oral base paste is very good to put a protective barrier on the sores and aid in the healing. Drinking icy cold green tea or hot green tea helps to ease the pain. Also placing a tea bag directly on the sore helps with the pain and swelling. (Although I will tell be VERY CAREFUL not to break open the tea bag with your teeth because it is the MOST HORRIBLE tasting thing and very hard to get out of your mouth. You can place the tea bag into a new clean piece of panty hose that way if it breaks open it only leaks into the panty hose, but you can still get the tea bag effects fine through the panty hose.

I'm ready to go to the store and buy Maalox and liquid Benadryl. It worked pretty well before, as I remember. I've been using CankerCover, which works well, but this sore is on the side of my tongue and they don't stick to the tongue. The OTC canker pain relievers just aren't working on this particular sore.