Can you use Anbesol after tooth extraction? (+3 advantages)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss the possible use of Anbesol after tooth extraction. Additionally, we will discuss when you should not use Anbesol after tooth extraction and some alternatives to Anbesol for this condition.
Can you use Anbesol after tooth extraction?
Yes, Anbesol may be used after tooth extraction. Anbesol liquid contains lidocaine hydrochloride (0.9% w/w), chlorocresol (0.1 w/w), and cetylpyridinium chloride (0.02% w/w). Lidocaine numbs the nerve endings, thereby reducing pain and irritation caused by tooth extraction (1).
Chlorocresol and cetylpyridinium chloride are antiseptics and help to kill bacteria (2, 3). Anbesol liquid can be dropped into the extraction socket several times a day as directed by the dentist for the relief of pain and infection control.
You should irrigate your socket with saline water before dripping 1-2 drops of Anbesol. Do not use Anbesol liquid more than four times a day. Make sure you use Anbesol liquid as directed by your dentist to minimize the occurrence of side effects.
You should also check the expiry date of Anbesol liquid before applying it to the affected area. You may ask your dentist to prescribe you an oral painkiller or antibiotic in case of extreme pain and gum/tooth infection.
How to know if Anbesol is working?
Anbesol begins to work as soon as it touches your gum or cavity. Lidocaine (local anaesthetic) present in Anbesol numbs the nerve endings and gives you instant relief from pain within a few minutes.
Lidocaine numbing effect may last from thirty minutes to three hours depending on the dose applied to the affected area. An overdose of Anbesol may cause seizures, irregular heartbeat, and respiratory failure in rare cases.
Chlorocresol and cetylpyridinium chloride are antiseptic agents that kill the bacteria at the site of tooth extraction. If you feel any symptoms related to infection (fever, swelling, redness in mouth, sensitivity to hot or cold food, and intense toothache) consult your dentist immediately.
When should you not use Anbesol after tooth extraction?
You should discuss your medical history with your dentist so he can conveniently and accurately select medicines for you during and after the tooth extraction. You should not use Anbesol liquid if you have the following conditions:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients present in Abnesol liquid, including lidocaine, chlorocresol, cetylpyridinium chloride, and azo dyes amaranth (E123).
- If you experience side effects after the use of Anbesol, including headache, fever, fainting, the unusual blue colour of fingernails and skin, lethargy, and fast heartbeat.
- If you have porphyria. Porphyria is a rare disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain, constipation, urine colour change, and skin rashes.
- If you are already taking other products containing lidocaine.
- If you have damaged areas or open wounds inside the lining of your mouth. It may cause irritation and unnecessary absorption of active ingredients into the systemic circulation.
- Certain medical conditions may interfere with the proper working of Anbesol, including cardiovascular disease, infection, and inherited metabolic disorders affecting the red blood cells.
What are the alternatives to Anbesol after tooth extraction?
If you are allergic to Anbesol liquid or have severe side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medications after tooth extraction, including:
Benzocaine topical gel
Benzocaine gel may reduce post-operative stress associated with tooth extraction and dental cavity restoration (4). Benzocaine is a local anaesthetic that numbs the pain in the gums and adjoining areas. You may feel temporary relief from pain.
Painkillers
Painkillers belonging to the class of opioids, such as codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone may be taken to relieve pain after tooth extraction. However, they are not usually preferred because of the increased risk of sedation and dizziness.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen are often prescribed with acetaminophen (non-opioid analgesic) for the relief of severe pain, especially after wisdom tooth surgery. You may also use indomethacin and naproxen (5).
Antibiotics
Sometimes, you may require antibiotics to prevent socket or systemic infection after a tooth extraction. Examples include amoxicillin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline (6). However, you should only take antibiotics if they are prescribed by your doctor.
If you experience pain, dry socket, swelling, and bleeding after tooth extraction, consult your dentist immediately. You should use Ambesol for a maximum of seven days. If pain and associated symptoms do not improve, consult your dentist.
Your dentist will examine you and prescribe the best medication for your condition. Always follow the dose regimen prescribed by your doctor for optimum effect. You should not use other local anaesthetics with Anbesol as it may cause side effects.
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References
1.-
Pain RT. Ask the Dentist Health Begins in the Mouth| Dr. Mark Burhenne. Science.;363(6432). https://askthedentist.com/wisdom-teeth-facts/
2.-
Aremu IO, Badru OH, Oyemade OA. Comparative Effectiveness of Certain Antimicrobial Agents in Semi Solid Preparations. African Research Review. 2009;3(4). https://ajol.info/index.php/afrrev/article/view/47560
3.-
Sreenivasan PK, Haraszthy VI, Zambon JJ. Antimicrobial efficacy of 0· 05% cetylpyridinium chloride mouthrinses. Letters in applied microbiology. 2013 Jan 1;56(1):14-20. https://academic.oup.com/lambio/article-abstract/56/1/14/6699440
4.-
Al-Samadani KH, Gazal G. Effectiveness of benzocaine in reducing deep cavity restoration and post-extraction stress in dental patients. Saudi Medical Journal. 2015 Nov;36(11):1342. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4673373/
5.-
Pergolizzi JV, Magnusson P, LeQuang JA, Gharibo C, Varrassi G. The pharmacological management of dental pain. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. 2020 Mar 23;21(5):591-601. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14656566.2020.1718651
6.-
Lodi G, Azzi L, Varoni EM, Pentenero M, Del Fabbro M, Carrassi A, Sardella A, Manfredi M. Antibiotics to prevent complications following tooth extractions. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2021(2). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8094158/
