FAQs
General FAQ's
Q. Can Bonjela gel help in the treatment of painful cold-sores?
A. Yes. In tests where Bonjela gel was applied to cold-sore patients it provided relief to over 90% of them. 2
Q. Is there any added sugar in Bonjela or Bonjela Teething Gel?
A. No, all these medicines are sugar-free.
Q. I have heard that Bonjela gel contains aspirin. Is this correct?
A. No, Bonjela gel contains choline salicylate and although both choline salicylate and aspirin are derivatives of salicylic acid, they are distinct chemical entities with different properties. Choline salicylate is not aspirin and is not associated with Reye's syndrome so the warnings on aspirin use in children do not apply to Bonjela gel.
Q. Is there any alcohol in Bonjela?
A. Bonjela contains alcohol (ethanol), which is sourced from grain.
Q. Can I use Bonjela whilst breastfeeding?
A. Salicylates are excreted at low concentrations in breast milk, but are unlikely to adversely affect the infant. It is recommended you consult your doctor or a health professional before using Bonjela whilst breastfeeding.
Q. Can I use Bonjela whilst pregnant?
A. There is clinical evidence of the safety of salicylates in pregnancy, but they may prolong bleeding and contribute to maternal and neonatal bleeding, and are best avoided at term. NB - you are advised to consult a health professional before using the product.
Q. Is anise oil a nut and can I use Bonjela if I have a nut allergy?
A. There are no nut ingredients in Bonjela. Anise is not botanically related to nuts.
Q. I am on Warfarin, can I use Bonjela?
A. Warfarin is an anticoagulant. Salicylates may enhance the effect of anticoagulants. NB -If you are on other medication you should always consult a health professional before using the product.
Q. Does Bonjela contain any animal products?
A. There are no animal ingredients in Bonjela. The glycerol in the product has been vegetable based since February 2002.
Mouth Ulcer FAQ's
Q. How does Bonjela gel work to relieve mouth ulcers?
A. Bonjela gel contains an effective local analgesic called choline salicylate which helps to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with mouth ulcers. It also contains an antiseptic called cetalkonium chloride, which helps fight infection Bonjela gel is clinically proven to provide pain relief in up to 98% of mouth ulcer sufferers. 3
Q. How much Bonjela gel should I use to relieve suffering from mouth ulcers?
A. Adults can use sufficient gel to cover a fingertip (approximately one centimetre / half inch). You can use Bonjela gel once every three hours.
Brace Sores FAQ's
My daughter has a brace fitted to her teeth which is causing painful sores in her cheeks. Can Bonjela gel help?
A. Yes, research has shown that Bonjela gel can provide immediate relief from the pain of sores caused by ill-fitting braces and aid healing. In one study 84% of lesions healed within 7 days and 76% patients had experienced effective pain relief within 8 hours of using Bonjela gel. 1
Denture Sores FAQ's
Q. As a denture wearer, I tend to get denture sores. Can Bonjela gel help to relieve the pain?
A. Yes, Bonjela gel is clinically proven to provide relief in up to 95% of denture sore sufferers. Bonjela gel also provides rapid relief of the inflammation that contributes to the pain of orthodontic sores and has been shown to aid healing in up to 86% of sufferers. 1
Q. I am not clear on exactly how to apply Bonjela gel on denture sores, and when to put my dentures back in?
A. You should apply the gel to the sore spot by squeezing the gel onto your fingertip (approximately one centimetre / half inch). We recommend that you do not put your dentures back in for at least 30 minutes after each application. You should not apply the gel to the dentures and then put them in.
Q. How do denture sores develop?
A. Soreness can develop because of ill-fitting dentures. This can be as a result of gums receding. When loose dentures rub they can cause inflammation and sore patches on the gum or tongue. Even well fitting dentures trap bits of food, saliva and the bacteria that cause plaque. If these are not removed by cleaning the dentures and rinsing out the mouth adequately each day, soreness and infection can develop.
References:
1. Tandon, P et al (1993), Stomatol India, 6 (ii), 66-70
2. Weg, M.H (1965) Journal of New Jersey St Dental Society, 169-174
3. Weg, M H (1965), Marshall K.F (1969) British Dental Journal & Lum-Kam G (1969) Journal of Canadian Dental Association