Reviewed by Dr. Arjun Mehta, PharmD — Head Pharmacist. Updated May 2025.
Main concerns
For ulcers
Most rinses
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.
Strong antiseptic for gum disease, post-extraction or implant care. Short-term use to avoid staining.
Oral thrush. Swirl and swallow. Especially in denture-wearers and immunocompromised patients.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for dental pain. Antibiotics are sometimes needed for dental infection — see your dentist.
Long use binds to plaque and stains it. Stains are removable by a hygienist. Use only when prescribed and for short periods.
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.
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss, limit sugar between meals, and see a dentist every 6–12 months.

/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.