What is a Gum Paint?
Gum Paint is a topical solution which contains antiseptic agents combined with tanning agents. It is applied locally on gums in severe bacterial infections and inflammatory conditions.
What are the indications for the usage of gum paint?
Gum Paints and gel are used in painful gum conditions, teething pain, mouth ulcer (aphthous ulcer), irritation of gum and cold sores.
Tannic acid in gum paint has been used as an astringent for the mucus membranes of the mouth and throat.
Gum paints are the combination of antiseptics and tanning agents which precipitate proteins but do not penetrate cells thereby affecting only the superficial layer making it mechanically stronger and decreases exudation.
They have germicidal, fungicidal, anesthetic and healing properties
Gum Paint - What is the mechanism of action?
Iodine in the gum paint acts as antiseptic and anti-infective. Iodine has powerful bactericidal action, quickly gets to work killing bacteria and viruses.
Tannic acid acts as astringent for the mucous membrane of the mouth. It forms a film of protein ‘tannate’ that acts as mechanical protective layer.
Menthol acts as local analgesic and gives sensation of coolness which gives some relief from the pain.
Camphor acts as mild analgesic.
What is the method of application of gum paint?
For application of gum paint take a drop or two of gum paint in your hand and with finger you can massage the gums using clockwise and anticlockwise motion of the finger. The gum paint is very effective if used after doing the warm salt water gargling
What are the precautions to be taken following its application?
Do not rinse with water or eat/drink anything for 10 minutes after the application of gum paint.
