Orajel Extra Strength Toothache Gel

What is Orajel Toothache Gel and what is it used for?

Orajel Maximum Strength Toothache Gel contains the active ingredient Benzocaine 20%. Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic that will provide effective relief by numbing the painful area. Orajel Maximum Strength is a topical gel that is applied directly to the source of your toothache where a tooth is broken or where there is decay.

Traditional systemic painkillers can take up to 30 minutes to take effect, which doesn’t compare to the rapid relief provided by Orajel that works in a matter of seconds and last for several hours.

Orajel Toothache Gel is manufactured by Church and Dwight UK and is available in 5.3g tubes. It can be used by adults and children over the age of 12 years to treat tooth pain and applied up to 4 times a day.

How does Orajel Toothache Gel work?

Local anaesthetics like benzocaine, the active ingredient used in Orajel Toothache Gel, work by temporarily blocking the pain pathways along the nerves. This prevents the brain from receiving pain triggering signals. When Orajel is applied to a bothersome tooth it works quickly to offer lasting relief from pain.

How long does Orajel last?

Orajel lasts for 15-20 minutes at full effect, so that’s how long you can expect total numbness in the treated area. The effect will persist at a reduced level for several hours after that, giving you some continued relief. You can use Orajel several times per day if necessary.

What is toothache?

The dental pulp is the middle layer of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. When this layer becomes inflamed, irritated or exposed toothache can occur causing pain. This exposure can be caused by several factors, such as:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth fractures
• Receding gums
• Loose fillings

Alternatives to Orajel Toothache Gel

Orajel is a fantastic treatment option for managing pain caused by a toothache, however, it will not help treat the cause of the pain. If you are unsure of the source of your toothache you must book an appointment to see a dentist to ensure you get the appropriate treatment for your condition. Toothache that is left untreated can lead to further complications and can become extremely painful.

Sources

• Orajel Extra Strength Toothache Gel, Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/e...
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...

Orajel Toothache Gel warnings

Reading the following warnings carefully will help to ensure you are selecting an appropriate product.

• Keep out of sight and out of reach of children
• Avoid using more than the recommended dosage
• Avoid applying this gel for more than 4 days at a time
• Avoid the use of this gel if you are sensitive to any of the ingredients, if you are taking antibiotics, or if you are expectant or breastfeeding
• Orajel numbs the area of the skin in which it is applied. You should be careful eating hot food while using this product to avoid burning or injuring your mouth.

Please read all packaging and the Product Information Leaflet before taking any new medicine and inform your doctor of medicines you are taking or intend to take.

How to use Orajel Toothache Gel

Adults, including the elderly and children 12 years and over:

• Using a swab or a clean finger, apply the gel to the affected area
• Use only a tiny amount of the gel about the dimension of a green pea
• Apply the gel up to 4 times every day
• Avoid applying this gel for more than 7 days at a time

Orajel Toothache Gel ingredients

The active ingredients contained in this medicine is: Benzocaine 20% w/w.

The medicine also contains the following inactive ingredients: Sodium Saccharin (E954), Polyethylene Glycol, Clove Oil, Spearmint Flavour and Sorbic Acid (E200).

Orajel Toothache Gel side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects when they take medication, however, if you do they are likely to be a localised reaction to the area of skin in which the gel has been applied, symptoms can include:

• Burning
• Stinging
• Pruritis
• Reddening
• Rash
• Swelling

If you are concerned about these effects, or if the product affects you in any other way, stop using it and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.