BONJELA COOL MINT GEL 15g

What is Bonjela?

Bonjela Adult is a pain relief gel to relieve discomfort caused by mouth ulcers, cold sores, dentures and sore spots and is suitable for adults and children over the age of 16 . It helps to reduce inflammation and fight infection whilst easing pain. The gel is sugar-free and almost colourless with an aniseed flavour, so is easy and pleasant to administer. As well as reducing pain, Bonjela can help to ease the healing process and protect from infection. If you’re looking for easy and effective pain relief from mouth ulcers, try Bonjela. 

What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are round painful spots or sores that can develop in the mouth. They commonly appear on the cheeks and lips, but it is possible for them to appear on the floor of your mouth and under your tongue. They can cause discomfort, especially during eating and drinking or when you brush your teeth, but are not usually a sign of anything serious and are not contagious, so you can’t spread them to other people. 

What causes mouth ulcers?

There are many factors that can cause mouth ulcers but they’re usually due to damage, such as when you accidentally bite the inside of your cheek, apply too much pressure when brushing or graze your cheek or lip on something sharp, such as braces, a tooth or a filling. It is possible to have recurring mouth ulcers if you are stressed, anxious or ‘under the weather’ and some women can experience them regularly during hormonal changes such as pregnancy or during menstruation (period). It is also possible for your diet to trigger a mouth ulcer through eating food such as:

• Chocolate
• Cheese
• Spicy food
• Coffee
• Almonds and peanuts
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes 
• Wheat flower

How to treat mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers usually clear up on their own and will heal in a couple of weeks without the need for treatment. However if the ulcer is causing you discomfort, using treatments such as bonjela can help to ease the pain and help to facilitate the healing process. You can also take steps to avoid irritating the ulcer, such as:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Drink cool drinks through a straw
• Eat softer foods
• Get regular dental check-ups 
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Avoid spicy, salty, acidic or crunchy foods
• Don’t drink hot drinks, such as coffee or acidic drinks like fruit juice
• Don’t chew gum 
• Avoid toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulphate

There isn’t any specific ways to avoid developing a mouth ulcer but you can try to lesser the likelihood of mouth ulcers by avoiding:

• Biting the inside of your cheek
• Ill-fitting dentures, braces rough fillings or sharp teeth
• Areas of the mouth that contain cuts or burns
• Foods that cause intolerances or allergies
• Damaging your gums with a toothbrush or irritating toothpaste
• Feeling tired, stressed or anxious 

How can Bonjela Mouth Ulcer Gel help to relieve pain caused by mouth ulcers?

Bonjela contains two active ingredients:

• Choline Salicylate
• Cetalkonium chloride

Choline Salicylate is a painkiller and anti-inflammatory medicine that can help to reduce swelling and reduce discomfort caused by mouth ulcers. Cetalkonium chloride is an antiseptic that helps to prevent infection by killing bacteria. These two ingredients work together to reduce the discomfort caused by mouth ulcers and prevent infection whilst the ulcer heals. The gel has a pleasant aniseed flavour and is easy to administer, for quick and effective relief. 

How to use this product 

Always use this product exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Seek medical advice if you are unsure. 

For mouth ulcers and sores

Massage around 1cm of bonjela onto the affected area. Repeat after 3 hours if required.

Denture sores

Massage approximately 1cm of bonjela onto the sore area and leave for a minimum of 30 minutes before reinserting the dentures. Do NOT apply this product onto the dentures. 

Warnings

Do NOT exceed the stated dose as salicylate toxicity may occur. If your symptoms persist for longer than 7 days, seek advice from your doctor or dentist. 

When NOT to use this product 

Do NOT use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if you are suffering from a stomach ulcer. Speak to your doctor BEFORE taking this product if you are taking aspirin or other salicylates or if you are pregnant/breast-feeding.

Can you take Bonjela with other medicines?

Seek advice from your doctor or a pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or may take any other medicines BEFORE using this product. Salicylates may increase the effect of blood thinning medicines (anticoagulants) and can decrease the effect of medicines to treat gout. 

Side effects

Like all medicines, Bonjela can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. Stop taking this product and seek medical advice if you experience:

• Unexplained wheezing
• Coughing
• Asthma
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, tongue or throat

Important Information 

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support