Best Mouth Sore Products (Comparison Review)
Dentist Tested and Reviewed
Oral pain can be a real show stopper when you least expect it. You can trigger pain response from many sources, including teeth, jaw, soft tissue, or gums.
While most oral pain will need to be assessed and treated by your clinician, some pain relief, such as canker sore treatment, can be accomplished with topical pain relief ointment.
Oral pain has an increased effect on our mood, thoughts, and actions.
Therefore, finding relief is essential, and individuals can focus on their daily needs when it’s achieved.
As an experienced dentist with years of experience, I’ve tested and evaluated 300+ dental products. I strive to find the best products for achieving excellent oral hygiene, so let’s take a closer look at the Best Mouth Sore Products from a dentist’s perspective.
Buying Guide
- Best Overall: Orajel 3X Mouth Sore Instant Pain Relief
- Best Applicator: DenTek Instant Oral Pain Relief Advanced Kit
- Best Travel-Ready: Gly-Oxide Antiseptic Oral Cleanser
- Best Sensitive Gums: Anbesol Gel Maximum Strength Instant Pain Relief
- Best Localized: Red Cross Canker Sore Medication
Evaluation Criteria
I (Dr. Hannan) tested each product for 7-14 days, detailing its pros and cons, and rate it from 1 to 5 in four key areas.
- Effectiveness: Does the mouthwash treat the advertised need? How effective were the results?
- Comfort: Are you able to swish for recommended time? Did it sting or burn? How did the mouth feel afterwards?
- Taste: How was the overall taste? Was it tolerable? Did it alter your sense of taste?
- Likeability: Is the product likeable and enjoyable to use? Are you able to use it as directed?
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1. Best Overall | Orajel 3X Mouth Sore Instant Pain Relief
Orajel 3X Medicated Toothache & Gum Gel provides instant pain relief for toothaches and painful gums.
The formula combines the power of 3 active ingredients for fast topical pain relief. The instant pain relief cream contains 20% benzocaine to offer clinical strength pain relief and is proven to kill harmful bacteria as it prevents infections and provides cooling relief for gum irritation. The gel is now easily accessible with the ready-open tube tip.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Oral pain reliever/astringent
- Menthol to soothe gums
- Fast-acting pain relief
- Ready-open tip
Results
Dentist Review
Orajel 3X Mouth Sore Instant Pain Relief gel worked exceptionally well to eliminate pain and soothe the tissue with menthol.
In addition, the smooth consistency allowed the tissue to glide over the gel gently. Also, the subtle mint taste was pleasing and comfortable to use.
[icon type=”fas fa-arrow-right” color=”#5d9ee1″] Recommended Reading: 5 Best Mouthwash for Sore Mouth 2024 (Dentist Recommended)Lastly, it provides long-lasting pain relief essential for stubborn mouth sores.
Best medicated oral gel with instant pain relief and ready-open tip.
2. Best Applicator | DenTek Instant Oral Pain Relief Advanced Kit
DenTek Instant Pain Relief, Advanced Kit is an adult oral pain relief kit providing a new, sanitary way to apply Benzocaine for toothache relief.
It's simple to measure one dose and easy to apply. Avoid using fingers and mess to apply the oral anesthetic with the single-use applicators and handle. Use the oral pain relief for quick and easy relief of toothaches, sore gums, canker sores and cold sores.
The maximum strength and instant pain-relieving power of Benzocaine is what dentists recommend for toothaches and gum pain. The disposable applicator is a simple, sanitary dental pain relief.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Relieves oral pain and toothaches
- Mint flavored
- Carrying case provided
- Sanitary and disposable applicators
- 50 applicators provided
Results
Dentist Review
DenTek Instant Oral Pain Relief Advanced Kit was exceptional at eliminating pain.
The travel-ready case, applicators, and applicator handle were convenient to apply in hard-to-reach areas. Also, the mint flavor was flavorful and comfortable to use.
Although it provided instant pain relief, the consistency was liquid-like and challenging to keep in a localized area.
Lastly, inserting the applicator into the handle and dipping it into liquid is a bit cumbersome.
Best disposable, sanitary applicators for instant pain relief.
3. Best Travel-Ready | Gly-Oxide Antiseptic Oral Cleanser
This product is unique because it can be directly applied to a localized sore or dispensed on the tongue (10-20 drops) to swish and rinse.
Carbamide peroxide 10% is the active ingredient that offers effective foaming action.
Highlights
- Carbamide peroxide active ingredient
- Antiseptic oral cleanser
- Oxygen-rich microfoam action
- Cleanses gum irritation
- Soothes sores
- Kills odor-foaming germs
- Used as mouthwash or direct application
Results
Dentist Review
Gly-Oxide Antiseptic Oral Cleanser is more gentle on the gums than other products.
The consistency is more similar to a rinse than a gel; however, keeping the solution in a localized area is challenging.
Also, it wasn’t as effective at relieving pain as other products.
The peroxide formulation kills odors and germs, providing a healthy surface for healing.
Lastly, the taste was acceptable, considering it is an antiseptic oral cleanser.
Best relief for generalized areas of gum irritation.
4. Best Sensitive Gums | Anbesol Gel Maximum Strength Instant Pain Relief
Anbesol delivers instant oral pain relief that takes you from OW to WOW! so toothache pain, canker sores, or sore gums don't hold you back.
Anbesol Maximum Strength Gel is formulated with 20% benzocaine, an oral anesthetic, that instantly soothes mouth pain and dental irritation. Anbesol Maximum Strength Oral Pain Reliever is available in gel and liquid forms.
Accepted by the American Dental Association and has shown efficacy to help temporarily relieve discomfort of mouth sores.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Maximum strength
- Instant pain relief
Results
Dentist Review
Anbesol Gel Maximum Strength was effective at relieving pain.
However, it wasn’t as instant as other products. Also, the intensity of the topical numbing was inferior.
The consistency of the gel was easy to apply and comfortable against the gum tissue.
It had a slightly bitter taste and lingered for an extended period of time.
Lastly, the overall effectiveness was minimal and seemed to wear off earlier than other products.
Best pain-relieving gel for sensitive gum tissue.
5. Best Localized | Red Cross Canker Sore Medication
Red Cross Canker Sore Medication features 20% Benzocaine for effective pain relief while soothing the gum tissue.
This product also contains natural herbal extracts such as aloe, chamomile, echinacea and myrrh. It provides long-lasting protection and coats mouth sores to allow proper healing.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Natural herbal extracts
- Instant pain relief
- Coats mouth sores
- Maximum strength
Results
Dentist Review
Red Cross Canker Sore Medication was minimally effective at relieving pain and was difficult to apply because of its thicker consistency.
In addition, the texture prevented gum tissue from sliding around the gel easily and led to poor application.
Also, the taste was bitter and difficult to deal with. Lastly, the overall effect seemed to wear off sooner than other products.
Best canker sore medication for small, localized areas.
Overall Champion | Orajel 3X Mouth Sore Instant Pain Relief*
Orajel 3X Medicated Toothache & Gum Gel provides instant pain relief for toothaches and painful gums.
The formula combines the power of 3 active ingredients for fast topical pain relief. The instant pain relief cream contains 20% benzocaine to offer clinical strength pain relief and is proven to kill harmful bacteria as it prevents infections and provides cooling relief for gum irritation. The gel is now easily accessible with the ready-open tube tip.
Final Thoughts
Orajel 3X Mouth Sore Instant Pain Relief was the overall winner because of its instant pain relief, soothing menthol and easy application.
Also, the subtle mint flavor was comfortable and easy to manage.
DenTek Instant Oral Pain Relief Advanced Kit is also a quality product featuring 50 applicator tips, an applicator handle and a travel-ready case.
It was also highly effective at relieving pain and the mint flavor was enjoyable.
Orajel edged out DenTek because DenTek’s liquid-like consistency made it challenging to keep medication in a localized area.
Anbesol Gel Maximum Strength Instant Pain Relief rounded out the top three and was one of the more comfortable products to use on sensitive gum tissue.
Final Rankings
- Orajel 3X Mouth Sore Instant Pain Relief 20/20
- DenTek Instant Oral Pain Relief Advanced Kit 18/20
- Anbesol Gel Maximum Strength Instant Pain Relief 15/20
- Gly-Oxide Antiseptic Oral Cleanser 14/20
- Red Cross Canker Sore Medication 11/20
* My Dental Advocate product reviews are based on individual experience and your results with the products may vary.
Need a second opinion? We can help! Learn more. Knowledge is power when cultivating healthy dental habits. The more informed you are, the better positioned you’ll be to prevent avoidable and potentially costly dental procedures for you and your family. Watch for future blog posts, where we’ll continue sharing important information, product reviews and practical advice!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hannan, also known as “Dr. Advocate,” is a board-certified dentist on a mission to provide accurate dental patient education. He attended Baylor University before completing dental school at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. He now lives in Arizona with his beautiful wife and 4 kids. Dr. Hannan believes everyone should access easy-to-read dental resources with relevant, up-to-date dental research and insight to improve their oral health.
Connect with Dr. Hannan!
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