Mouthwashes can be useful for a variety of reasons. The most common source of mucositis in the mouth and esophagus is due to chemotherapy and/or radiation. Oral infections can cause painful sores and inflammation and mouthwashes can give temporary relief. There is not a standard formula for mouthwashes so your compound can be changed to address your issues. Most mouthwashes use a combination of over the counter products and prescription medications. You will generally be directed to swish and spit or swish, gargle and spit the compounded mouthwash. We generally don’t suggest swallowing the ingredients because it may upset your stomach. If you do swallow the mouthwash, it isn’t a problem, just be cautious because most of them contain numbing agent(s). Your mouthwash may contain an anticholinergic or antihistamine to help ease your pain, a local anesthetic to relieve pain, and an antacid to spread the ingredients around and create a mucoadhesive to allow for longer contact of the ingredients. You might also have an antibiotic or antifungal to kill bacteria or stop fungal growth or a steroid for additional inflammation control in your compound.