Special Topics in Oral Biology - OTC Dental Products

ADA seal of acceptance

independent company looks at products sold over the counter

puts a stamp on the product saying that it actually does what it says it will do

most common oral conditions associated with pain

- toothache

- tooth sensitivity

- teething pain

- minor oral mucosal injury or irritation

- oral mucosal disorders (canker and cold sores)

- xerostomia

dental hygienists are in a pivotal position to

guide patients in the proper selection of nonprescription products for the self treatment of conditions that are often associated with oral pain and discomfort

topical analgesics

employed to relieve toothache pain by topical application by local anesthetic and/or counterirritant

local anesthetic

benzocaine, lidocaine

counterirritant

eugenol (clove oil)

OTC toothache products

Dents toothache drops

Dents toothache gum

Toothache gel

Red Cross toothache

Orajel

DenTek toothache kit

benzocaine can equal

Acquired Methemoglobinemia

pretty rare

caused blood to turn blue/black

Aphthous ulcers are also called

canker sores

products for treatment of canker sores

- orajel

- benzodent

- orabase plain

- orabase gel

- cankaid

- anbesol

some canker sore meds contain

"super glue", adhesive to protect the sore

cold sores are caused by

herpes simplex 1

most cold sore treatments just

numb, rather than treat

Save-A-Tooth

keeps root and pulp alive in the tooth and maintains the pH so it can possibly be reinserted or saved

contains balanced salt solution

abrasiveness in dentifrice gets a

score

dentifrice categories

- fluoride (anti-caries)

- tarter control

- plaque/gingivitis control

- whitening

- sensitivity control

- bad breath control

BASHFUL acronym (composition of dentifrice)

B inders

A brasives

S udsers

H umectants

F lavors

U nique ingredients

L iquids

Binders in dentifrice

natural gums, seaweed colloids or synthetic cellulose

Abrasives in dentifrice

calcium carbonate, silica gels, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide

Sudsers in dentifrice

detergents such as SLS

Humectants in dentifrices

glycerol, propylene glycol and sorbitol

Flavoring agents in dentifrice

saccharin and sweeteners

Unique ingredients in dentifrice

enzymes, antimicrobials (like zinc citrate)

Liquid component of dentifrice

water

Abrasivity Assessment of Toothpaste

1. Utilizes human tooth roots irradiated with 32 P

2. Concentration of 32 P in the post brushing slurry is measured relative to a standard

3. Toothpaste with RDA score above 250 not recommended for daily use

4. Any product with RDA

Dentifrices for Sensitive Teeth

2 things can prevent fluid from activating sensitivity causing nerves

- potassium nitrate

- stannous fluoride (blocks projection so fluid doesn't move back and forth)

ADA (does/does not) recommend any teething products

does not

OTC benzocaine gels for teething or mouth pain can cause

rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia

oral viscous lidocaine 2% solution can

cause serious harm and death to infants and children with teething pain

Mrs Winslow's Soothing Syrup

a morphine concoction given to teething children that caused death in infants or dependency

managing xerostomia

- up to 20% of the adult population have this

- many diseases and medications can effect salivary gland function

artificial saliva

1. aqueous solution consistent with natural saliva with added fluoride

2. electrolyte level similar to natural saliva

3. useful as mouth moistener and oral lubricant

Salivart, Moi-Stir

MedActive products contain

demulcent (hydrates and protects) and plant extract promoting salivation

OraMoist Muco Adhesive Patch

time released disk adhering to hard palate and dissolving in 2-4 hours to inc oral moisture in dry mouth patients

other dry mouth treatments

SalivaSure - citrus based lozenge

XyliMelts - time released disk

mouth rinses are either

cosmetic or therapeutic (plaque or gingivitis control)

Prebrushing Rinse

contains enhanced level of detergent (SLS)

probiotic products

- contains beneficial Streptococcus

- recolonizes oral cavity to reduce level of pathogenic bacteria (in theory)

- advertised benefit to extend effects of professional cleaning

- supports gingival and dental health