Pain Relief for Orthodontic Devices in Children‏

Sue Gregory, Deputy CDO, has asked the Society to pass on the following message to all BOS members. It is understood that a press release to the general public and health care professionals is due out soon.

"The Medicines Divisions of MHRA are currently dealing with an issue that may impinge on pain relief for orthodontic devices in children. In essence this is a review of the safety of oral topical salicylate-containing products following the publication of a case report of suspected Reye’s Syndrome associated with the use of choline salicylate containing dental gel. Actually, the case was not actually Reye’s Syndrome but rather consistent with salicylate toxicity. As a consequence the Commission on Human Medicines concluded that such gels should be contraindicated in children under 16 years of age. This recommendation affects 4 products currently licensed in the UK: Bonjela, Bonjela Cool Mint, Dinnefords Teething Gel and Pyralvex. Up to now, these products have been used for pain associated with infant teething, orthodontic devices, cold sores and mouth ulcers. Where pain relief is required dental gels containing only an anaesthetic/antiseptic should be recommended."

Les Joffe
Chief Executive Officer, British Orthodontic Society