My Disastrous Experience with Stomatidin - and a Word of Caution
I recently visited a dentist for a professional oral hygiene session, and they told me I had gingivitis - a pretty scary prospect, considering it can lead to tooth loss!
The doctor recommended using an antiseptic mouthwash called 'Stomatidin'.
Stomatidin Price
It costs between 130-180 UAH.
Before heading to the pharmacy, I'd suggest checking out a service like Tablets (or a similar resource) to see what prices are like at nearby pharmacies. I've got eight pharmacies in my area, and thanks to this service, I didn't have to visit each one to find out the price - it saved me time and money.
Stomatidin has a more budget-friendly alternative called Stomalik, which is three times cheaper.
Although their composition is similar, I trusted the doctor's advice and didn't opt for the cheaper option.
Packaging
It comes in a cardboard box with an instruction manual included.
The bottle is small, with a volume of just 200 ml.
The glass is transparent, with a dark tint that prevents direct sunlight from entering.
The lid is quite special, requiring some force to open - I'd say it's a plus, as kids can't easily access it, although I suppose kids these days are a bit more resourceful than that. It's probably best to store it out of their reach. The liquid has a bright pink color.The taste is quite specific. It's similar to the smell of my grandma's arthritis ointment, which contains snake venom. The blue Listerine has a similar taste. It's tolerable, I guess.
The effectAfter rinsing, I feel a mild numbness, and my tongue feels a bit numb.
STOMATIDIN INSTRUCTIONS
Composition:
The active ingredient Stomatidin: hexetidin
1 ml contains 1 mg of hexetidine
Excipients Stomatidin: propylene glycol, polysorbate 20, monohydrate citric acid, sodium saccharin, menthol, methyl salicylate, azorubin (E 122), 96% ethanol, purified water.
Pharmacological group:
Antimicrobial and antiseptic agents for local application in stomatology.
Pharmacological properties:
Hexetidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. This drug is effective both in vivo and in vitro against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast (Candida albicans) and fungi. The antibacterial efficacy of hexetidine is due to its antimetabolic action on the amino acid thiamine, which is necessary for the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Now that we've talked about the benefits, let's dive into the science behind Stomatidin.
Pharmacokinetics. What really stood out to me was how long the effects of Stomatidin last. After a single rinse, the active ingredient, hexetidine, stays in the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat for 8-10 hours, and in some cases, even longer - up to 65 hours.
I couldn't find any studies on human absorption of hexetidine when using Stomatidin 0.1% solution, and there's also a lack of specific research on its use in patients with kidney or liver issues, or the elderly.
Indications:
Stomatidin is indicated for minor oral infections, including candidiasis, as an adjunctive treatment for gingivitis, for sore throats, recurrent aphthous ulcers, bad breath, and as a preventative measure before and after dental surgery.
Contraindications for Stomatidin use:
Be cautious when using Stomatidin if you're sensitive to hexetidine or any of its components, have atrophic pharyngitis, or respiratory issues like asthma. Inhaling the vapors can cause bronchospasm.
Important notes on using Stomatidin:
Stomatidin should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy, as it may lower the seizure threshold and cause seizures in children.
I've got to be honest, if you're allergic to aspirin or have asthma, use this stuff with caution.
If your symptoms get worse, stop using it and go see a doctor – pronto.
Watch out for signs of an allergic reaction – if you experience any, stop using it right away.
And for goodness' sake, don't inhale it when you apply it – the stuff can irritate your throat and cause a spasm.
You should also keep an eye out for these warnings!!!
Stomatidin contains levomenthol, which can cause a spasm in kids, so be careful.
It's also got 10% ethanol, so don't give it to people with liver problems.
Azorubin (E122) can cause an allergic reaction, so be aware of that – especially if you accidentally swallow it.
And don't use it for more than 10 days without a doctor's okay.
IMPORTANT FOR DRIVERS:
Stomatidin contains ethanol, so don't drive for 30 minutes after using it.
HOW TO USE STOMATIDIN
Stomatidin 0.1% solution is for local application in the mouth.
I've been using the mouthwash for a week now, and I've been following the instructions to swish 15ml of the undiluted solution around my mouth for ½ a minute, 2-3 times a day.
It's worth noting that you shouldn't swallow the mouthwash - it's meant to be spat out.
When using it as a mouthwash, make sure to use the undiluted solution.
The duration of treatment is determined by my dentist, depending on the severity and specifics of the condition.
I've been told not to use it for long-term symptoms.
STOMATIDIN FOR KIDS:
I've found out that it's not recommended for kids under 6 years old.
OVERDOSAGE OF STOMATIDIN:
Fortunately, the recommended dose of hexetidine is non-toxic. There's no data on cases of excessive use that led to allergic reactions.
Side effects. Since it contains ethanol, there's a risk of some of it being absorbed into the bloodstream when used as a mouthwash. Acute alcohol poisoning is extremely unlikely, but theoretically possible if a small child swallows a large dose.
Treatment. If you suspect an overdose, it's essential to consult a doctor ASAP. Symptomatic treatment, similar to alcohol intoxication, is rarely necessary. If you've ingested too much, it's a good idea to have your stomach pumped within 2 hours.
ADVERSE REACTIONS TO STOMATIDIN:
Allergic reactions:
One thing I've noticed is that this product can cause some pretty intense reactions, including hives, angioedema, laryngospasm, and bronchospasm.
From a nervous system standpoint:
I experienced ageusia, dysgeusia, and some pretty wild changes in my sense of taste over the course of 48 hours. One minute everything tasted sweet, and the next it was all bitter.
From a respiratory standpoint:
I had some issues with coughing, shortness of breath, and laryngospasm.
From a digestive standpoint:
I noticed dry mouth, dysphagia, increased salivation, and some pain when swallowing. If you accidentally ingest the product, you might experience some gastrointestinal issues, like nausea and vomiting.
From a skin and subcutaneous tissue standpoint:
I experienced allergic contact dermatitis and angioedema.
General issues and site reactions:
I had some local reactions, including changes in the color of my teeth and tongue. I also experienced sensitivity, irritation, and numbness in my mouth and tongue. Sometimes I felt like my mouth was on fire, and other times it just felt like it was burning. My tongue and mouth were super sensitive, and I even got some blisters.
Since the product contains azorubin, it can cause allergic reactions, including bronchial asthma, especially in people with an allergy to acetylsalicylic acid.
EXPIRATION DATE
2 years.
STORAGE CONDITIONS FOR STOMATIDIN
Store in a place inaccessible to children at a temperature not exceeding 25 ° C. Do not freeze.
My Experience with Stomatidin
Situation 1
After a professional cleaning, the dentist gave me the usual recommendations: replace my toothbrush, use a special toothpaste, floss or use an irrigator, and rinse my mouth with Stomatidin according to the schedule.
I'm a responsible person, so I followed all the instructions to the letter.
After rinsing, my tongue felt numb, my taste buds were slightly dulled, and it was tolerable, but the sensation kept building up, and by day 4, I felt a burning sensation, pain, and hard bumps on my tongue. Oh, and I also discovered that I'd developed a new, bigger dental calculus!
I stopped using the product and waited for my next appointment, which was scheduled for two days later with a different dentist.
***To clarify the situation, I was seeing a small dental clinic with two doctors. I had my teeth cleaned by one doctor, and then I saw the other doctor for a follow-up appointment.
During the follow-up appointment, the doctor said my tongue looked normal, and he didn't see any pathology. He called in the other doctor and asked about the calculus, and the other doctor shrugged and said something like, 'This can happen with hexedine... Maybe... But your gums look better!' and scheduled another cleaning.
At the same follow-up appointment, the other doctor said I didn't have gingivitis, but an improper bite was causing my gums to look swollen. And the bleeding stopped immediately after the cleaning. It turned out the initial diagnosis was wrong.
My tongue recovered within a couple of days.
I'm still not 100% sure if Stomatidin triggered the formation of tartar, but the fact is that after re-cleaning, the rapid buildup didn't come back. The stain was pitch-black, like I hadn't cleaned my teeth in years – and it only happened in less than a week...
Case 2
Under the 8's crown, I got an infection, and my gum and cheek got inflamed. It's possible that it was caused by using the irrigator incorrectly.
My doctor told me back in the fall that I could have it removed, but I wasn't experiencing any discomfort, so I declined.
My next appointment with my regular doctor was booked solid, so I was only able to get an appointment three days later. I was freaking out, but I decided to wait. To prevent the inflammation from getting worse, I started rinsing with Stomatidin. This time, I didn't have any issues with my tongue, but I didn't feel any better, and I got ulcers on my gum near the 7 and 6.
Luckily, I was able to get an appointment with a different doctor. They took a look, but since the crown was inflamed, they sent me to see a specialist – a surgeon I'd already seen before. They recommended removing the tooth since this doctor didn't think it was worth trying to treat it.
They disapproved of using Stomatidin, saying that it's an aggressive product that kills off all the bacteria, not just the harmful ones. I wondered if the ulcers could have been an allergic reaction to Stomatidin, ***but that's not what they said. They did a professional cleaning, even going under the crown, and after the procedure, they gave me a good antibacterial rinse to use – I wasn't allowed to eat or drink for at least an hour. They didn't give me any other instructions, but I thought I'd try rinsing with baking soda, and the combination of treatments seemed to help, as the pain subsided by the next morning.
I went in with a pretty strong expectation that the dentist would have to remove at least a 'crown', or worse, the whole tooth... But it turned out that wasn't the case, since it's the first time this has happened to me, they just did some saltwater rinses and herbal tea treatments (chamomile and sage). That super simple treatment worked really quickly! If it happens again, I'll probably still have to get the 'crown' trimmed back.
I also got some insight on the 'wisdom tooth' situation. If the eight-year molar is healthy and not causing any issues with the rest of my teeth, it's usually best to leave it alone. That's because sometimes people lose the teeth next to it, and instead of getting an implant, they get a 'bridge' that relies on the eight-year molar for support.
As you can see, I had a pretty negative experience with this product.
I wouldn't recommend using it on yourself, and if your doctor has prescribed it and you think it's not working, be sure to let them know and go back in for a check-up. It's always better to be safe than sorry and risk making things worse.
Stay healthy!❤️