I am positive you should avoid Listerine! Its full of alcohol. Listerine is ok if it is the kind that doesnt contain alcohol.

Any sore which has been in your mouth for 2 weeks or longer needs to be checked by a professional. That is an ENT or oral surgeon, they are more familiar than regular dentists with oral cancer and all the other things that are irregular. If this red patch has been in your mouth for over 2 weeks find yourself an ENT who specializes in oral cancer. Not saying thats what this is! Just that you dont want to end up with an ENT who specializes in putting tubes in kids ears.

Has your dentist or dental hygienist ever done an oral cancer screening on you? Thats where they pull your tongue out while holding it with a piece of gauze and they feel your neck. Every adult should have an oral cancer screening as part of every dental exam. If its not being done, ask for one. If your dental practice doesnt do them, then you are being short changed.

Try not to over google in these situations, all kinds of horror stories will come up. Im glad you found OCF, it have factual medical info and adheres to the Health on the Net Code which ensures correct medical info is given.

Try to stay busy, and keep your mind engaged in detail oriented tasks like reading to help you to avoid worrying.

Good luck!!!