Medications · FAQ
Can a lidocaine mouth rinse help with mouth sore pain?
Short answer
A lidocaine mouth rinse may provide temporary relief from mouth sore pain, but it does not heal the sore or treat its cause. Results vary. A licensed dentist or physician in your state should review persistent sores, worsening pain, or trouble eating before deciding whether lidocaine is appropriate.
A lidocaine mouth rinse can numb painful tissue in the mouth for a short time. It may make some mouth discomfort easier to manage. Results vary. It does not cure an infection, repair an injury, or explain why a sore developed.
Mouth sores can have several causes, including biting the cheek, irritation from dental work, infections, or other health conditions. Your dentist or physician may need to examine the area or recommend another treatment. A sore that lasts more than two weeks should be checked, even if numbing medicine makes it less painful.
Use only the mouth product prescribed or recommended for you. Follow its directions for measuring, rinsing, and spitting or swallowing. Do not assume that every lidocaine mouth product can be swallowed.
Numb tissue is easier to bite or burn without noticing. Follow the eating and drinking restrictions on your label. Seek prompt care for fever, swelling, dehydration, or worsening pain. Trouble breathing or swallowing needs urgent medical attention.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.