All-Natural Oral Rinse in Treatment of Oral Ulcers of Hand, Foot and Mouth

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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1. Understand the epidemiology, etiology, and clinical presentation of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).

2. Understand the issues associated with standard treatment for pain of hand, foot and mouth disease

3. Review conventional management approaches for oral pain in pediatric patients with HFMD.

4. Explore the mechanism of action, safety profile, and benefits of using OraSoothe Rinse for managing oral pain.

5. Analyze case studies demonstrating the efficacy of OraSoothe Rinse in providing rapid pain relief in pediatric patients.

6. Discuss the implications of using non-toxic, plant-based treatments in pediatric dentistry and patient care.

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ABSTRACT

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral illness primarily affecting young children, characterized by fever, painful oral ulcers, and a rash on the hands and feet. These case reports present the experiences of two children, a 6-year-old male and a 4-year-old female, both diagnosed with HFMD and suffering from painful oral ulcers. Initial treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications provided minimal relief. Subsequently, the patients were administered OraSoothe Rinse, a hydrogel wound dressing made of 100% plant-based ingredients, resulting in rapid and profound pain relief. The 6-year-old male experienced quick relief and was able to sleep through the night, while the 4-year-old female, despite initial resistance to the taste, obtained significant relief within minutes and was able to sleep for several hours. These cases highlight the effectiveness of OraSoothe Rinse in managing pain associated with HFMD oral ulcers, providing an alternative to traditional pain medications without the risk of toxicity or significant side effects. The positive outcomes observed align with previous reports of OraSoothe’s efficacy in dental and postoperative pain management, underscoring its utility as a safe and effective option for pediatric patients.

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INTRODUCTION

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral illness primarily affecting children under the age of 5, but it can also occur in adults. It is most commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16 or A6, and enterovirus 71.  The disease is characterized by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet, hence its name.   HFMD typically begins with a fever, reduced appetite, sore throat, and a feeling of being unwell.   Painful sores may develop in the mouth and throat, appearing as red spots or blisters.  While the disease is usually self-limiting, oral lesions are particularly painful and can affect a child's ability to eat and drink, necessitating effective management strategies.1

Children with HFMD, because of its contagious nature, should be kept away from others until fever-free and feeling better, usually for a few days after the onset of symptoms.  There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD; the management is mainly supportive. The focus is on relieving symptoms, especially the painful oral lesions, to maintain hydration and nutrition.  Children should be offered cold fluids, popsicles, ice cream or sherbet to help keep them hydrated.  Acidic foods and drinks should be avoided as they can enhance mouth pain.  Mild and soft foods that are easy to swallow are recommended.   Saltwater rinses are often recommended to help reduce discomfort and maintain oral hygiene.  Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly recommended to reduce pain and fever.2.3

 

Patient #1: Information: 6-year-old white male 

Medical History:  Unremarkable; vaccinations up-to-date

Dental History: No dental treatment required

Diagnostic records: None. Dx based on ulcers in mouth concurrent with 2-year-old brother with HFMD.

Contraindications: None

Preexisting Conditions:  None

Options Presented to the Patient: Treated initially with Children's Tylenol

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Patient #2: Information: 4-year-old white female 

Medical History:  Unremarkable; vaccinations up-to-date

Dental History: No dental treatment required

Diagnostic records: None. Dx based on ulcers in mouth concurrent with 2-year-old brother with HFMD.

Contraindications: None

Preexisting Conditions: None

Options Presented to the Patient: Treated initially with Children's Tylenol

 

Treatment Plan

Patient #1: Rationale for Treatment Approach (Patient #1): Standard treatment is management of oral pain

Detailed Treatment Plan: See above

Interdisciplinary Approaches: N/A

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Patient #2; Rationale for Treatment Approach: Standard treatment is management of oral pain

Detailed Treatment Plan: See above 

Interdisciplinary Approaches: N/A

 

Treatment Techniques and Progress

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Patient #1:  Parents discontinued acetaminophen.  Had patient swish and swallow OraSoothe Rinse prn

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Patient #2:  Parents discontinued acetaminophen.  Parents swabbed mouth with OraSoothe Rinse (child uncooperative) prn

 

Final Treatment Outcomes

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Patient #1:  The patient obtained relief very quickly and was able to sleep at night.

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Patient #2:  This patient obtained relief and was asleep in about 5 minutes.  She did fuss about the taste, but was cooperative to let the father swab her mouth.  She woke up a few hours later crying, saying she needed “some more of that medicine.” 

 

Discussion

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; eg aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), are routinely prescribed for oral ulcers.  In this case, Children’s Tylenol (acetaminophen) was prescribed by the children’s pediatrician.  This OTC medication did not provide much relief, and the parents were dubious about giving it to their children over the course of days because of potential toxicity.

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OraSoothe Rinse is a hydrogel wound dressing comprised of 100% plant-based food ingredients, and has been on the market since 2009.  It is most often used by dentists after surgical procedures, and hygienists after SRPs, because of the fast, profound pain relief enjoyed by patients, with little or no need for other pain medications.  This is especially significant in light of the opioid crisis, but also because of the total lack of toxicity.  OraSoothe can be used as often as needed to maintain comfort after procedures.  OraSoothe is ideal for ulcerations or lesions that affect large portions of the mouth, where the rinse can be swished and directed to the affected areas. 

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Another benefit is that OraSoothe produces an analgesic effect, without anesthetizing the area, as do topical anesthetics such as benzocaine.  People want pain relief, not a numb mouth, and the analgesic effect represents a significant benefit.  This is especially true with children, who are more likely to bite their lips, tongues, etc, and cause significant damage.

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OraSoothe Sockit Gel is the gel version of OraSoothe Rinse.  It consists of the same ingredients, but with less water.  Sockit was designed for more localized applications, such as with tooth extractions, or in dentures.  A clinical trial in immediate denture patients 24 hours after multiple extractions and delivery of dentures, demonstrated that Sockit gel produced significantly enhanced pain relief than that provided by 10 mg hydrocodone/APAP (Lortab).4  The rinse is comprised of the same ingredients, with a higher concentration of water to make a liquid product.

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The results obtained by these patients mirrors those reported over the last 17 years from patients who have enjoyed the profound pain relief provided by these products after tooth extraction, periodontal surgery, and other procedures that produce pain and require attention, as well as oral mucositis from cancer therapy, and other oral conditions that result in pain.   

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In these two cases, the parents were pleased with the pain relief experienced in a couple of minutes, which allowed the children to sleep for hours.  They also appreciated the fact that the products are completely non-toxic, with no side effects, and are safe for their children to use.

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Conclusion

The cases of the 6-year-old male and 4-year-old female with HFMD demonstrate the efficacy of OraSoothe Rinse in providing rapid and profound pain relief for painful oral ulcers, a common symptom of the disease. Despite initial treatment with over-the-counter pain medications, significant relief was only achieved after the administration of OraSoothe Rinse. This non-toxic, plant-based hydrogel wound dressing proved to be an effective and safe alternative for managing oral pain in pediatric patients, allowing them to maintain hydration and nutrition by alleviating discomfort. These findings demonstrate that OraSoothe Rinse would be a valuable addition to the symptomatic treatment options for HFMD, offering a viable solution for pain management without the risk of toxicity associated with prolonged use of traditional pain medications. The positive outcomes in these cases reflect the product’s broader clinical utility in various dental and postoperative applications, reinforcing its role in enhancing patient comfort and care.

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VERIFICATION CODE: 5002

 

REFERENCES

1. https://www.webmd.com/children/hand-foot-mouth-disease
   https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/index.html

2.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353041

3. Kennedy TJ, Hall, JE. A drug-free oral hydrogel wound dressing for pain management in immediate denture patients. Gen Dent 2009 Jul-Aug;57(4):   420-7