Is there a number one doctor-recommended solution for a sore throat?

It depends: If minor irritation, warm salt water gargles, chloraseptic spray, aspergum, cough drops, tylenol if fever, persistent or severe, see doctor as you might have a bacterial (i.e., strep) infection which requires antibiotics. Rx meds include liquid xylocaine (lidocaine) (to numb)- sometimes steroids are also used to decrease swelling or inflammation.