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Triamcinolone dental paste is used to relieve symptoms of inflammation and discomfort from sores or ulcers in your mouth. It is a paste that is applied to the affected area. Common side effects include temporary reactions where it is applied, such as burning, itching, and irritation. Do not use triamcinolone dental paste if you currently have an infection in your mouth or throat. Tell your health care provider if your condition does not get better within two weeks of using triamcinolone dental paste.

Uses

What is triamcinolone dental paste used for?

Triamcinolone dental paste is commonly used to relieve symptoms of swelling (inflammation) and discomfort from mouth sores or ulcers.

Triamcinolone dental paste may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does triamcinolone dental paste work (mechanism of action)?

Triamcinolone dental paste belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids. It works by blocking certain substances that cause inflammation and irritation in the mouth.

How is triamcinolone dental paste supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Kenalog in Orabase
  • Oralone

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.1% dental paste

Triamcinolone is also available in other forms. See Triamcinolone Acetonide Topical, Triamcinolone Nasal, and Triamcinolone for more information.

How should I store triamcinolone dental paste?

Triamcinolone dental paste should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of triamcinolone dental paste?

The most common side effects of triamcinolone dental paste are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Reactions where it is applied, including burning, itching, irritation, or dryness (see below)
  • Rash around the mouth
  • Mouth infection
  • Thinning of the lining in the mouth

There may be other side effects of triamcinolone dental paste that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of triamcinolone dental paste?

While less common, the most serious side effects of triamcinolone dental paste are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Triamcinolone dental paste may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using triamcinolone dental paste and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Reactions Where It Is Applied. Triamcinolone dental paste may cause reactions in your mouth in the area where it is applied. Stop using triamcinolone dental paste and call your health care provider if you have mouth irritation while using this medicine.

Reduced Adrenal Function. Long-term use of triamcinolone dental paste may cause your body’s adrenal glands to stop making as much cortisol (the stress hormone). This is known as adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency can get worse if your body is under stress because of fever, surgery, or trauma. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of adrenal insufficiency.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Low blood pressure

Cushing’s Syndrome. Rarely, using triamcinolone dental paste for a long time may increase your risk for Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome is a condition that happens when your body is exposed to too much cortisol (the stress hormone). The risk may be higher in children. Stop using triamcinolone dental paste and call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

  • A rounded, rosy color of the face
  • Weight gain, especially in the upper body
  • A fat buildup in the upper back or base of the neck
  • Thinning skin that bruises easily
  • Feeling very weak or tired
  • Depression or anxiety
  • High blood sugar
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep problems

High Blood Sugar. Triamcinolone dental paste may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use triamcinolone dental paste?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use triamcinolone dental paste.

  • Triamcinolone
  • Kenalog in Orabase
  • Oralone
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific triamcinolone dental paste products they stock.

Infection. Do not use triamcinolone dental paste if you currently have an infection in your mouth or throat.

What should I know about triamcinolone dental paste before using it?

Do not use triamcinolone dental paste unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share triamcinolone dental paste with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep triamcinolone dental paste out of the reach of children.

Triamcinolone dental paste is for use in your mouth only. Do not use it on your eyes or your skin.

Apply a small dab of the paste to the affected area. It should turn into a thin film. Do not rub it in. Trying to spread it on the area may cause it to crumble. Use only enough medicine to coat the area. 

Stop using triamcinolone dental paste once your condition is under control. Tell your health care provider if your condition does not get better within two weeks of using triamcinolone dental paste.

What should I tell my health care provider before using triamcinolone dental paste?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if triamcinolone dental paste is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how triamcinolone dental paste could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use triamcinolone dental paste while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if triamcinolone dental paste passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use triamcinolone dental paste while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does triamcinolone dental paste interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between triamcinolone dental paste and foods or drinks. However, it is recommended that you apply triamcinolone dental paste after a meal, depending on how often you are using it.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect triamcinolone dental paste.

Does triamcinolone dental paste interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between triamcinolone dental paste and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much triamcinolone dental paste?

If you or someone else has used too much triamcinolone dental paste, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of triamcinolone dental paste?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Do not use it more often than prescribed.