Follow-up. I had to argue with my dental person twice before he would prescribe Peridex. At first he refused because he said it changes the bacterial fauna of the mouth. A week later I emailed him and told him I'd rather risk temporary change in bacterial fauna than risk osteonecrosis or brain damage. He immediately phoned a prescription to my pharmacy. I rinsed full strength twice a day for 10 days and the areas of tenderness in my mouth calmed down.

My whole reason for posting this question in the first place is I had a painful infection following a dental cleaning. I also started to get headaches, nausea, and trouble keeping balance. My primary ordered a brain scan, which was clean. The problems mostly subsided but there were still tender areas throughout my mouth. Salt rinse was not helping. And so I asked here.

Anyway, it's been several weeks with no more problems. Thank you all for your help.