Bonjela Gel: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Bonjela Gel is a topical oral gel containing choline salicylate, used to relieve pain and discomfort from teething, mouth ulcers, sores, denture irritation, cold sores, and sore spots from braces or dental appliances. It combines a pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory ingredient with an antiseptic to ease soreness while helping prevent infection. The gel is sugar-free and is applied directly to the affected area of the mouth or gums.

What is Bonjela Gel

Bonjela is a topical gel applied to the mouth and gums to relieve pain and discomfort from teething, mouth ulcers, sores, and dentures. It is sugar-free.

Bonjela Gel uses

• Teething pain in babies over 4 months
• Mouth ulcers and sores
• Denture sores
• Cold sores
• Sore spots from braces or dental appliances

Benefits of Bonjela Gel

• Helps relieve pain and discomfort from common mouth ulcers.
• Helps reduce inflammation and soreness inside the mouth.
• Can soothe sore spots caused by dentures or braces.
• May help relieve discomfort from cold sores inside or around the mouth, depending on the formulation.
• Contains an antiseptic ingredient that helps fight minor mouth infections.
• Helps support healing of sore areas and mouth ulcers.

How Bonjela Gel works

Bonjela contains a pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory ingredient plus an antiseptic. Together they reduce swelling and discomfort from mouth ulcers while helping to prevent infection as the ulcer heals.

Bonjela Gel dosage

Wash your hands before applying the gel. Apply enough gel to cover the tip of your index finger and massage into the affected area. For mouth ulcers, wipe the surface free of mucus before applying the gel. For denture sores, massage the gel onto the sore area and leave it for a minimum of 30 minutes before reinserting the dentures. Do not apply the gel onto the dentures themselves. Doses can be repeated after a few hours if needed, but should not be given more often than that. Not suitable for babies under 4 months.

Available forms and strengths

• Gel

Side effects of Bonjela Gel

Common

• Temporary stinging
• Mild irritation

Serious

• Unexplained wheezing
• Coughing
• Asthma symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use if you have a stomach ulcer.
• Do not give to children under 16 who have or are recovering from chickenpox, influenza, or fever, unless a doctor has told you to.
• This product is only for minor, temporary problems and should be used exactly as directed. Using too much or for too long can be harmful.
• Do not use if the tube seal was already broken when you bought it.
• Do not exceed the recommended dose, as it may cause salicylate toxicity.
• Adult Bonjela products contain a different ingredient from Bonjela Junior gel and should not be used for mouth ulcers in children under 16.
• Salicylates may increase the effect of blood-thinning medicines and can reduce the effect of gout medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you take other medicines.
• Do not use in the third trimester of pregnancy. If pregnant, speak with your doctor before use.
• Do not use while breastfeeding.
• If your child has liver problems, check with a doctor or pharmacist before using Bonjela Junior gel.

Storage

• Store below 25°C (77°F) or as directed on the specific product label.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat.
• Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep the tube tightly closed after each use.
• Do not freeze and avoid storing in hot or humid areas.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

When to see a doctor

• If symptoms don't improve after 3 days, stop using the product and see a doctor.
• If symptoms last longer than 7 days, get advice from your doctor or dentist.
• Stop using the product and seek medical help if you notice unexplained wheezing, coughing, asthma symptoms, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, itching, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat.

Alternatives

• Difflam Spray
• Orajel
• Anbesol Liquid/Gel
• Bonjela Junior Gel