Products
Mouth gels are available in pharmacies and drugstores from a variety of suppliers.
Structure and properties
An oral gel is a gel, that is, a gelled liquid prepared with appropriate gelling agents, which is intended for use in the oral cavity. The active ingredients it contains include, for example:
- Salicylates such as choline salicylate and salicylamide.
- Disinfectants such as cetalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine.
- Herbal extracts and ingredients, e.g. Levomenol, chamomile, sage, peppermint, propolis, anise.
- Vitamins such as dexpanthenol
- Local anesthetics such as lidocaine
- Antifungals such as miconazole
The active ingredients can also enter the blood in small amounts through the oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract.
Effects
Mouth gels have moisturizing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and disinfectant properties depending on the composition.
Fields of application
- Irritation, inflammation, infection, injury and pain of the oral mucosa and lips.
- Teething discomfort in infants and young children.
- Aphthae.
- Pressure and sores, for example, due to dentures and braces.
- Dry mouth (usually gels without active ingredients).
- Fungal infections (miconazole oral gel).
Dosage
According to the professional information. The gel is usually applied locally with a clean finger.
Contraindications
Contraindications of oral gels (selection):
- Hypersensitivity
- Salicylate hypersensitivity
- Salicylates should not be used in children and adolescents with fever associated with viral infection because of the risk for Reye syndrome.
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include a burning sensation (depending on the base, due to the ethanol) and local reactions such as redness and hypersensitivity reactions. Infants and young children may develop a mild dependence on tooth gel. This due to the sweet taste of the added sweetener such as xylitol.
