How does Oracort work? What will it do for me?

Triamcinolone belongs to the class of medications called corticosteroids. Triamcinolone dental

paste is used to treat inflamed mouth sores and mouth sores caused by injury. It is applied
directly to the affected areas of the mouth. It acts by decreasing inflammation and protecting the
damaged area from further injury.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in
these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure
why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication
without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do.
It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Oracort?

Apply this medication 2 or 3 times daily, preferably after meals. At least one application should
be at bedtime so that the medication can be in contact with the lesion overnight.
To apply, press a small dab (about 6 mm) to the lesion until a smooth, slippery, thin film
develops. You may need to apply a larger amount to cover larger lesions. Do not rub it in. For
best results, apply enough dental paste to just coat the lesion with a thin film. If your symptoms
do not improve within 7 days, call your doctor.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other
medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different
from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without
consulting your doctor.
It is important to apply this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose,
apply it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a
double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose,
contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of
the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household
garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have
expired.

What form(s) does Oracort come in?

Each gram of dental paste contains triamcinolone acetonide 1 mg (0.1%) in a protective
emollient vehicle. Nonmedicinal ingredients: gelatin, pectin, and sodium carboxymethylcellulose
in a polyethylene and mineral oil gel base.

Who should NOT take Oracort?

Do not use this medication if you:

are allergic to triamcinolone dental paste or any ingredients of this medication

have fungal, viral, or bacterial infections of the mouth or throat

Medications used to control pain and anxiety

One of the most commonly reported dental complications involves various levels of pain. Due to
this fact, pain management is an important goal for all dentists and patients.
Analgesics

Non-narcotic analgesics are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain
following dental treatment as well as fever. The commonly-used medications used are:

ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin (for example, Bayer);

corticosteroids such as Orabase-HCA, Oracort, and Oralone are anti-inflammatory medications

that are used to relieve discomfort and redness of the mouth;

and for severe pain conditions, narcotic analgesics such as codeine or hydrocodone (Vicodin)
may be given. Codeine formulations usually include acetaminophen for increased efficacy, for
example, Vicoprofen and Tylenol #3.

Note: Ibuprofen occasionally causes xerostomia (dry mouth) that may increase oral plaque and
dental caries (cavities).

Anesthetics

Topical anesthetics come in ointments, sprays or liquids. Topical anesthetics are used to prevent
pain on the surface level of the lining of the mouth. They also can be used to reduce pain from
superficial sores in the mouth or to numb an area before an injectable local anesthetic is given.
Commonly used topical anesthetics include Anbesol and Orajel.
Local anesthetics are injected into the deeper tissues of the mouth and work by inhibiting the
impulses from pain-sensing nerves and hence are used to reduce pain especially in procedures
involving drilling, and cutting of the tissue. Common local anesthetics are 2% lidocaine
hydrochloride and 2% mepivacaine (Carbocaine).
General anesthetics are inhaled and include anti-anxiety agents, such as nitrous oxide, that help
to ensure relaxation during dental visits and often may be used along with local anesthetics.
Note: Anesthetics are used for temporary pain relief, and should not be used for long durations
of time.
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Antibiotics

Antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin (Amoxil) are used for a variety of infections that
may result after dental procedures. Erythromycin (Benzamycin, Emgel, Ery, Ilotycin, Staticin) is
usually prescribed when patients have allergies to penicillin or amoxicillin (Amoxil).
Clindamycin (Cleocin HCL) often is used in the treatment of serious infections caused by
susceptible anaerobic bacteria and hence are effective for dental abscesses in bone and soft tissue
that doesn't respond adequately to penicillin or erythromycin.
Chlorhexidine (marketed as Peridex, PerioChip, and PerioGard amongst others) is an antibiotic
used to control plaque and gingivitis in the mouth, or in periodontal pockets (the space between
your gum and tooth). Chlorhexidine comes as a chip, which is used as an adjunct to scaling and
root planing procedures for reducing the depth of pockets around the teeth in patients with adult
periodontitis or as a rinse, which provides antimicrobial activity between dental visits.
Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline (marketed as Atridox) is used to help treat periodontal
disease.
Another use of antibiotics in dentistry is for preventing bacteria that are always present on the
surface of tissues around teeth from spreading into the blood. This is especially important in
patients with some types of defective or artificial heart valves since blood-born bacteria have a
tendency to settle on the valves and cause serious infections. The antibiotics may be given orally,
intramuscularly, or even intravenously. They usually are begun immediately before the dental
surgery and are continued for no more than a few doses, for example, less than a day or so.

Note: Chlorhexidine may cause staining of the tooth, tooth filling, and dentures or other mouth
appliances. Tetracycline use during tooth development phases (from the last half of pregnancy
through eight years of age) may cause permanent discoloration (yellow, gray, brown) of teeth.
Antifungals

Antifungals are used for the treatment of candidiasis in the oral cavity. Certain antifungal such as
nystatin (Mycostatin) is used to treat Candida albicans infection in the mouth, including thrush,
and denture stomatitis. Nystatin (Mycostatin) comes in lozenges/troches and oral suspension.
When taking the oral suspension, patients are instructed to take one half of the dose in each side
of mouth, retaining the suspension as long as possible by swishing it around, before swallowing.
Other dental medications

Fluorides
Fluoride which is available in most over-the-counter toothpastes, is used to prevent tooth decay.
Prescription strength fluoride (Acidul) is also available if prescribed by a physician.
Antiseptics
Antiseptics are available as over-the-counter mouth rinses that are used to reduce plaque and
gingivitis and kill germs that cause bad breath.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) is used for the management of anxiety disorders or
for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It works by relaxing the patient during
dental procedures such as temporomandibular joint disorders.
Saliva substitutes
Saliva substitutes such as Moi-Stir, Mouth Kote, Optimoist, Saliva Substitute, Salivar, Salix, and
Xero-Lube are used for treating dry mouth, an occasional complication of autoimmune diseases
or occasionally unassociated with other diseases. They usually come as sprays and are used as
needed.