Top 5 Best Mouth Sore Products Review 2023
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.
Oral Pain Causes
- Mouth burns
- Accidental injury
- Minor dental procedures
- Canker sores
- Irritations
- Cheek bites
- Braces and dentures irritation
We analyzed the Top 5 Best Mouth Sore Products that achieve lasting relief and promote oral healing, from a dentist’s perspective.
Tested and Reviewed
- 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
We highlight each product’s unique, advertised benefits, identify their pros and cons and score each from 1 to 5 based on four categories. The oral rinse with the highest score is crowned the overall champion; however, we’ll also give suggested patient benefits for each product. Price’s listed are subject to change and discussed in each review, however they were not considered within the scoring criteria.
- 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?
Related Reviews
- Best Pain Relief Oral Rinse Review 2023
- Best Denture Care Products Review 2023
- Best Dry Mouth Oral Rinse Review 2023
- Best Dry Mouth Products Review 2023
1. 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.
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. Lastly, it provides long-lasting pain relief essential for stubborn mouth sores.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Oral pain reliever/astringent
- Menthol to soothe gums
- Fast-acting pain relief
- Ready-open tip
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Likeability ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Total: 20/20
Best medicated oral gel with instant pain relief and ready-open tip
2. 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.
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.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Relieves oral pain and toothaches
- Mint flavored
- Carrying case provided
- Sanitary and disposable applicators
- 50 applicators provided
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Likeability ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Total: 18/20
Best disposable, sanitary applicators for instant pain relief
3. 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.
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.
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
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭒⭒⭒
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Likeability ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Total: 14/20
Best relief for generalized areas of gum irritation
4. 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.
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. However, 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.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Maximum strength
- Instant pain relief
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Likeability ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭒
Total: 15/20
Best pain-relieving gel for sensitive gum tissue
5. 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.
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.
Highlights
- 20% Benzocaine
- Natural herbal extracts
- Instant pain relief
- Coats mouth sores
- Maximum strength
Results
Effectiveness: ⭑⭑⭒⭒⭒
Comfort: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Taste: ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Likeability ⭑⭑⭑⭒⭒
Total: 11/20
Best canker sore medication for small, localized areas
Overall Champion: Orajel 3X Mouth Sore Instant Pain Relief*
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.
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 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.
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!
