Corticosteroid (Dental Route)

Corticosteroid (dental route) is a medication similar to cortisone and belongs to the steroid drug classification. It is primarily used in the treatment of oral discomfort and redness brought about by several gum and mouth problems.

You cannot purchase dental corticosteroid without a prescription.

You need to talk to your physician about the involved risks and benefits with using dental corticosteroid before starting treatment. Several factors need to be considered before a decision should be made.

One of these factors is allergies. You need to be assessed for allergies to this drug or any of its ingredients. Your physician also needs to know if you have any other allergies to food dyes, animals, medications, and/preservatives. Always check non-prescription medication labels and ingredients before taking them.

Use of dental corticosteroid in children for longer periods of time may stunt their growth. It is, therefore, necessary to keep your child’s condition monitored. You should have a lengthy discussion about dental corticosteroid use in your kid with your doctor.

Studies have found that side effects of corticosteroid use in elderly patients are not significantly different compared to side effects experienced by younger adults.

Not enough studies on humans have been conducted to support the claim that dental corticosteroid can cause harmful effects to the unborn child. However, studies on animals have demonstrated this. Use this medication properly when you are breastfeeding to avoid any untoward effect on your child.

Inform your physician if you are taking other medications that may interact with dental corticosteroids.

Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are not recommended when taking certain medications. Talk to your physician about the effects tobacco and alcohol may have on you while you are using dental corticosteroid.

Other medical conditions also have to be considered when planning to take corticosteroids. If you have type 2 diabetes mellitus, long-term use of this medication may exacerbate it. Short-term use, however, has no significant effect. Inform your physician if you have herpes or other infectious sores of the throat or mouth as dental corticosteroids can make these worse. This medication is contraindicated in patients with tuberculosis since corticosteroids can decrease the immune response and put you at risk of worsening or developing a new infection.

With a cotton swab, apply the hydrocortisone or triamcinolone dental paste to the affected area gently. Do not rub it in. Apply it until a slippery film is formed on the surface. If you still need more information, talk to a healthcare professional.

The best time to apply this medication is before bedtime. This allows it to work overnight. You can also apply the paste after meals.

Follow your doctor’s instructions diligently. Using it frequently and for an extended period of time without your doctor’s advice can put you at risk of developing unwanted side effects. This medication only targets inflammation and should not be used to treat bacterial, fungal, or viral infections.

Dosing and timing are different for each individual. Follow your own and don’t copy someone else’s. Also, do not use dental corticosteroid to treat other conditions.

For dental hydrocortisone, in adults, the paste is to be applied 2 to 3 times a day after meals and at bedtime. In children, the frequency should be determined by the physician. The same goes for dental triamcinolone.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. However, it is close to the next dose, skip it and resume the normal timing. Store this medication at room temperature and away from children’s reach. Discard any expired or outdated medication.

If there is no symptomatic relief within 1 week or if your condition worsens, inform your physician or dentist. New medications may be needed or the dosage adjusted.

If there is no symptomatic relief within 1 week or if your condition worsens, inform your physician or dentist. New medications may be needed or the dosage adjusted.

All medications have expected and untoward effects. Treatment of these effects may depend on severity. If you want a comprehensive list of the effects, consult your healthcare team. Also, talk to your physician if the side effects persist and become bothersome.