Benefits of Using Oral Anesthetic Gel

Introduction

Topical anesthesia is becoming increasingly popular. It has become patient-friendly due to its simple processes. Topical anesthetics can be applied as patches, gels, aerosols, jellies, or drops. The basic purpose of any topical anesthetic is to treat pain. This topic discusses the advantages and drawbacks of using oral anesthetic gel.

What Is an Oral Anesthetic Gel?

An oral anesthetic gel is a topical anesthesia in the form of the gel used for oral or mouth issues like canker or gum injury. It is used to relieve pain. It is easy to use. It usually contains Benzocaine which relieves the pain for a short period. However, it causes temporary loss of pain, and that pain can start again when its effects wear off.

What Are the Uses of Oral Anesthetic Gel?

Usage of oral anesthetic gel is:

• To treat toothaches.

• To treat canker sore.

• To treat sore gums.

• To treat gum injury.

• To treat mouth ulcers.

How Does an Oral Anesthetic Gel Work?

An oral anesthetic gel is used to inhibit pain and treat oral problems. On the application of the oral anesthetic gel on the mucous membrane of the mouth or gums, it starts affecting the nerve fibers in the area. As a result, it stops the nerve signals going to the brain and numbs the affected area. As a result, it decreases the sensation of pain.

How to Use Oral Anesthetic Gel?

It comes as a gel in the tube, which individuals can easily use. But they should follow the instructions given by the physician. First, individuals should wash their hands before applying the gel. Next, the patient has to open the cap, squeeze the gel, and apply it to the required area. Keep the anesthetic gel in place for at least one minute. After one to two minutes, individuals can rinse their mouths and spit. After its use, they should avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes.

What Are the Benefits of Using the Oral Anesthetic Gel?

The benefits of using oral anesthetic gel are:

• It is easy to use by the patient alone.

• It relieves the pain of the patient.

• It is not so costly.

• It does not require the supervision of the doctor to apply it.

• There is a brief lack of sensation in the area, but it soon returns.

• It can heal gum injury, soreness, and ulcers in the mouth.

What Is the Medication Used in an Oral Anesthetic Gel?

Benzocaine is the anesthetic added to oral anesthetic gels to numb the area and relieve the pain. It is an anesthetic drug added to these gels.

What Situations Make the Use of an Oral Anesthetic Gel Risky?

Before the doctor prescribes any oral anesthetic gel, patients should let the doctor know if they have any of the conditions listed below. The conditions that are risky on use with anesthetic gel are:

• Smoking.

• Heart disease.

• Lung or breathing diseases.

• Infections.

• Allergic reaction to local anesthesia.

• Pregnancy period.

• Breastfeeding period.

What Are the Precautions for Using the Oral Anesthetic Gel?

Precautions for using oral anesthetic gel are:

• It should not be used in children below the age of five.

• It should not be used more than four times a day.

• Allow the medication to stay for at least one minute over the area.

• It should not be used in the eyes or ears.

• If an individual has a severe sore throat, he or she should inform the doctor.

• The patient should not use more amount of drugs at once.

• The patient should avoid biting over the application area as it has numbed.

• It should not be used on a large site of damaged or broken skin.

• The patient should know that it is not for long-term use.

What Are the Side Effects of Using the Oral Anesthetic Gel?

Side effects of using the oral anesthetic drug are:

• Dizziness.

• Burning sensation.

• Redness in the area of application.

• Irritation.

• Confusion.

• Headaches.

• Fast or irregular heartbeats.

• Allergic reactions.

• Itchiness.

• Blue-colored skin of lips or nails.

What Are the Important Facts About Oral Anesthetic Gel Use?

Important facts are:

• The patient should apply the anesthetic gel with a clean finger.

• The patient should avoid missing his gel use on time.

• The patient should use the oral anesthetic gel as instructed by the doctor.

• The patient should be informed about any infection he is suffering.

• The patient should apply the medication and wait 30 minutes before eating and drinking.

• The patient should not keep the oral anesthetic gel near the child.

How Many Times Can Oral Anesthetic Gel Be Used in a Day?

The oral anesthetic gel can be used as instructed by the doctor. The doctor recommends using thrice a day but not more than four times a day. Using it more than four times a day can cause an overdose of oral anesthetic gel, leading to side effects.

What if the Patient Misses His Dose?

When the patient misses his dose, he should apply it as soon as he remembers. However, if the timing of the next dose is almost near, then the patient should follow the routine instead of arranging the previous amount. Skipping of the previous missed dose can be done in these cases but do not double apply the dose.

Conclusion

An oral anesthetic gel treats mouth ulcers, cankers, and sores. The patient itself uses it. The benefits of using oral anesthetic gel are it is easy to use, patients can use it without the doctor's supervision, it is not so costly, and it can be used by the patient alone. In addition, the patient gets relief from the pain as it blocks the nerve sensation going to the brain. Oral anesthetic gel side effects are redness, irritation, or burning sensation after its application. Although the use of the oral anesthetic gel is not for a long time but still prevents pain and soothes the patient from soreness and pain. It should be used with precautions, as it does not touch the eyes or ear and it is not to be used while the patient is pregnant.