salicylates and Facial-Pain

The relationship between the eruption of the deciduous teeth and the general health of infants has been documented for over 5,000 years. A variety of physical disturbances (anything from minor upsets to potentially fatal illnesses) have historically been attributed to teething, however a number of recent publications have alluded to a clarification of some of the disputed features of teething. It is now accepted that the localised symptoms of teething vary between individuals, however, 'teething' continues to be an inappropriate diagnosis proffered by both healthcare professionals and lay people. Severe systemic upsets are unrelated to teething and, if present, the infant should be promptly referred to a physician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The treatment modalities used in teething have been diverse throughout the ages, frequently depending on the tenets of the medical profession and lay people, but now principally involve pain relief. This article examines the signs and symptoms frequently attributed to teething and their possible alternative causes. The contemporary principles of the management of teething are discussed, including supportive measures, the diverse range of available topical and systemic pharmacological preparations and the 'alternative' holistic therapies.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Anesthetics, Local; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Choline; Complementary Therapies; Drug Combinations; Facial Pain; Humans; Infant; Lidocaine; Salicylates; Sweetening Agents; Tooth Eruption; Tooth, Deciduous

This randomized, double-blind study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the topical cream Theraflex-TMJ (NaBob/Rx, San Mateo, CA) in patients with masseter muscle pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Fifty-two subjects (5 males and 47 females) were instructed to apply a cream over the afflicted masseter muscle(s) or over the jaw joint(s) twice daily for two weeks. Theraflex-TMJ cream was used by the experimental group, while a placebo cream was used by the control group. The means of pain ratings were calculated prior to the application of the cream (baseline), after ten days of tx (period 1), and 15 days of tx (period 2) days of treatment and five days after stopping the treatment (follow-up). There was a significant decrease in reported pain levels from baseline in the experimental group for period 1 (p < 0.01), period 2 (p < 0.001), and follow-up (p < 0.01). For the control group, no significant differences were found between the different time periods (p > 0.05). There was evidence of minor side effects such as skin irritation and/or burning on the site of the application in two subjects in the experimental as well as two subjects in the control groups. The data strongly suggest that Theraflex-TMJ topical cream is safe and effective for reducing pain in the masseter muscle and the temporomandibular joint.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Carboxylic Acids; Copper; Dipeptides; Double-Blind Method; Facial Pain; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Masseter Muscle; Nonprescription Drugs; Pain Measurement; Salicylates; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Zinc

Previous reports have indicated that certain mouthrinses, even when used as directed can induce oral pain. In order to help determine the causal agent(s), various commercially available mouthrinses, as well as control solutions, were tested in a psychophysical study in which subjects rated categories of pain during and after mouthrinsing. More specifically, the studies tested the effects of ethanol concentration on induced pain. The results show that there is a direct relationship between ethanol content and the amount of induced pain. Furthermore, the amount of pain was found to increase with time of rinsing, and to slowly decrease after cessation of rinsing. Lastly, comparison of ethanol/water controls with a marketed product (Clear Choice) matched for ethanol content showed that, while ethanol was the key factor in mouthwash-induced oral pain, other presently unidentified agents can also add to the effect.

Topics: Adult; Alkaloids; Analysis of Variance; Benzoates; Benzophenanthridines; Cetylpyridinium; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Ethanol; Facial Pain; Female; Humans; Isoquinolines; Male; Middle Aged; Mouthwashes; Organic Chemicals; Pain Measurement; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Regression Analysis; Salicylates; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; Terpenes; Time Factors

Pain is a multistep process that originates in the peripheral nervous system at the site of injury, is transmitted and processed within the central nervous system, and is perceived at the level of the cerebral cortex. Each of these steps in pain transmission is subject to intervention, with the possibility of reducing or blocking the nociceptive information to result in decreased pain. Based on knowledge of pain processes, dentists can use analgesic strategies to prevent or reduce pain.

Topics: Analgesics; Anesthetics, Local; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cerebral Cortex; Facial Pain; Humans; Nerve Fibers; Neurogenic Inflammation; Nociceptors; Oral Surgical Procedures; Pain; Pain, Postoperative; Salicylates; Trigeminal Caudal Nucleus