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Condition guide · /oral-care/

Oral and dental care medicines

Reviewed by Dr. Arjun Mehta, PharmD — Head Pharmacist. Updated May 2025.

3

Main concerns

Topical

For ulcers

Antiseptic

Most rinses

Rx

For severe cases

About this condition

Most oral care is preventive — brushing, flossing, dental check-ups. When medication is needed, it’s usually for one of three problems: mouth ulcers, oral thrush, or pain after dental procedures.

Pharmacy oral care includes antiseptic mouthwashes (chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine), topical anaesthetics for ulcers (benzocaine, lidocaine gels), and antifungal suspensions for thrush. Severe or recurrent problems should be reviewed by a dentist.

Treatment options

Chlorhexidine mouthwash

Strong antiseptic for gum disease, post-extraction or implant care. Short-term use to avoid staining.

Topical anaesthetic gels

Lidocaine, benzocaine. Numb mouth ulcers and gum pain. Short-acting, repeatable.
 

Nystatin suspension

Oral thrush. Swirl and swallow. Especially in denture-wearers and immunocompromised patients.

Analgesics

Paracetamol or ibuprofen for dental pain. Antibiotics are sometimes needed for dental infection — see your dentist.

Common questions

Why does chlorhexidine stain teeth?

Long use binds to plaque and stains it. Stains are removable by a hygienist. Use only when prescribed and for short periods.

Can I treat persistent mouth ulcers myself?

Most ulcers heal in 1–2 weeks. Persistent ulcers (>3 weeks), or a single ulcer with no obvious cause, should be reviewed promptly — particularly in smokers.

How do I prevent dental cavities?

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss, limit sugar between meals, and see a dentist every 6–12 months.

Dr. Arjun Mehta, PharmD · Head Pharmacist

/our-pharmacists/arjun-mehta/ — Reviewed May 2025

This guide is reviewed every 12 months or sooner when clinical guidance changes. If you have a specific medical question, call our pharmacist team — we answer the phone, not a bot.