What is Bonjela Junior Gel?

Bonjela Junior Gel is a mouth ulcer treatment that helps to reduce discomfort caused by mouth ulcers. Its gentle formula is safe for use in children over the age of 5 months and is sugar free. It helps to reduce inflammation and fight infection whilst easing pain. The gel is sugar-free and almost colourless with a tasty banana flavour, so is easy and pleasant to administer to children. 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 for your child, try Bonjela Junior.

What is a mouth ulcer?

A mouth ulcer is a small spot or sore that is painful, especially when eating and drinking and can be distressing to experience for a child.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 in children, but they’re mostly caused by damaging the mouth. This can occur if they accidentally bite the inside of their cheek, chew food that is rough or crunchy or graze their cheek on a sharp object like a tooth or braces. Their diet can also contribute to the likelihood of them developing mouth ulcers. Foods that may trigger mouth ulcers include:

• Spicy foods
• Salty foods
• Toast
• Crisps 
• Fruit juice

In some cases, mouth ulcers may be recurring due to a Vitamin B12 deficiency or a medical condition such as Coeliac or Crohn’s disease. 

How can you 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 Junior Gel help to relieve pain caused by mouth ulcers?

Bonjela Junior contains two active ingredients:

• Lidocaine hydrochloride
• Cetylpyridinium chloride

Lidocaine Hydrochloride is a medicine known as a local anaesthetic, which can numb an area affected by pain. Cetylpyridinium chloride is an antiseptic which is commonly used to fight oral bacteria and infection. These two ingredients work together to relieve pain caused by mouth ulcers, whilst killing bacteria and preventing infection. 

How to use this product

Bonjela Junior Gel should only be used as instructed in the patient information leaflet or as directed by a doctor or dentist. This product is suitable for children over the age of 5 months, adults and the elderly. Apply a small amount of the gel to the painful area with either a clean finger tip or swab. This may be repeated after 20 minutes and then every 3 hours as required. If symptoms worsen seek medical 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 in this product (see ingredients tab for full list) or :

• Are allergic to other local anaesthetics
• On children under the age of 5 months
• If you suffer from abnormal blood pigment levels. 

This product is NOT suitable for treating teething symptoms in children. Seek advice from your doctor if the person this medicine is intended for has heart or liver problems or is pregnant/breast-feeding. 

Can you use Bonjela whilst taking other medicines?

This product should not be taken when taking medicines treating:

• High blood pressure (propranolol 
• Stomach conditions (cimetidine)
• Water-retention (diuretics)

Side Effects

Like all medicines Bonjela Junior Gel can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. Stop taking this product immediately if you experience:

• Bluish colouring of the skin
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Lack of energy
• Skin rash
• Itchy or irritated skin 

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or 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

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