Dental Drops

DENTAL DROPS, Guttae odontalgicae, Tincturae odontalgicae, a topical medicinal preparation used to stop toothache. Dental drops usually represent a mixture (in various combinations) of analgesic, antiseptic, and astringent substances. The most characteristic dental drops by composition are: 1) Chlorali hydrati, Camphorae tritae aa 7.25, Morphii sulfurici 1.75, Chloroformii 3.75; 2) Cocaini hydrochlorici 1.0, Aether acetici 50.0; 3) Ol. Caryophylli, Ol. Menthae pip., Kreosoti aa 3.0; 4) Ac. carbolici 2.0, Chloroformii 10.0. The analgesic effect of dental drops depends on the anesthetic substances contained in the preparation used, as well as on the cauterizing action possessed, for example, by carbolic acid. Method of application of dental drops: after moistening a piece of absorbent cotton with dental drops, it is placed in the cavity of the diseased tooth, or applied to the gum, or the gum is rubbed with it. Mostly, dental drops are sold under trade names--anodyn, odontal, odontin, etc. Dental drops are widely used by the population for self-treatment, and there have been cases of poisoning from dental drops containing potent substances, and of tooth damage, for example, by creosote, which easily destroys teeth. Treatment with dental drops should be considered harmful not only because of possible poisoning. While temporarily relieving pain and diverting from proper treatment, they lead to the gradual destruction of the tooth, ending in very serious consequences. In recent years, since the more rational organization of dental treatment and care, dental drops have increasingly lost their former significance, and the circle of people using dental drops is constantly narrowing.