I N T H E N E W S

Advancing the Science of Oral Wound Care

A review published in PMC warns that dentistry remains a major source of opioid exposure, even though safer non-opioid pain treatments are at least as effective. U.S. dentists write opioids in more than 22% of dental prescriptions — a rate 37 times higher than in England, where non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen dominate.

That prescribing volume has consequences. Studies link even a single dental opioid prescription — especially after wisdom-tooth removal — to increased risk of long-term misuse, addiction, and overdose. Among teens and young adults receiving dental opioids, up to 6.8% fill additional prescriptions within a year; 5.8% meet criteria for opioid use disorder.

For dental practices, that means exposure — ethically and legally. With mounting lawsuits against overprescribers, continuing the default opioid-first approach invites liability. The most responsible path forward: adopt non-opioid or drug-free alternatives like OraSoothe. It’s time for dentistry to stop fueling the crisis and start protecting patients — and practices — for good.

New Study Highlights the Effectiveness of a Drug-Free Oral Hydrogel for Denture Pain Relief

A new clinical study offers promising news for immediate denture patients struggling with post-surgical pain. Researchers evaluated a drug-free oral hydrogel wound dressing—made entirely from natural food-grade ingredients—to determine whether it could enhance pain relief beyond standard narcotics. In a crossover study of 44 participants, patients rated their pain at 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after denture insertion, both with and without the hydrogel. The results were clear: at every time point, the hydrogel delivered statistically significant, consistent pain reduction compared to narcotics alone. This suggests a safer, gentler, and more effective option for managing the intense discomfort common during the first 24 hours after denture placement. For patients sensitive to medications—or clinicians seeking a non-drug solution—this natural hydrogel may represent a meaningful advancement in postoperative care.
Click here to read the full study.

OraSoothe “How it Works” Dentaltown’s Featured Video
of the Month

More patients are seeking drug-free options for pain management—and OraSoothe® is just the ticket. Dentaltown has featured our “How It Works” educational video as its Video of the Month, spotlighting why dentists nationwide are rethinking their post-treatment protocols.

The video also walks clinicians through ideal applications: extractions, immediate dentures, grafting, implants, laser procedures, and other cases where healing and comfort matter most. With 17 years of clinical use, patients consistently report better relief than with narcotics, while dentists report fewer complications and dramatically fewer post-op complaints. OraSoothe can be applied chairside and sent home with patients for continued pain control, reimbursed under code D9630.

Dentaltown’s spotlight underscores it: OraSoothe is rapidly becoming the modern standard for drug-free oral wound care.

U.S. Air Force Study Finds Dramatic Drop in Post-Op Pain With OraSoothe “Sockit” Gel

A large-scale evaluation by the U.S. Air Force Dental Consultation Service examined the effectiveness of OraSoothe (formerly SockIt! Gel) across 246 patients treated by 16 federal dentists. The all-natural, FDA-cleared hydrogel was applied prophylactically after extractions and sent home with patients for ongoing use. The results were striking: only 12 patients (4.9%) returned with post-operative pain, and interviews revealed that 8 of the 12 did not use the product as directed. Among patients who followed instructions, the post-op pain rate dropped to 1.6%—a major reduction compared to expected osteitis and dry-socket rates. More than half of evaluators reported reduced reliance on narcotic pain medication, and 88% said they would purchase OraSoothe for their clinics. With pleasant taste, easy application, no risk of overdose, and strong patient satisfaction, the Air Force concluded that OraSoothe offers a safe, effective, drug-free option for managing post-surgical discomfort.

Innovation in Dentistry Podcast: OraSoothe Q&A

Dental professionals all over the world have used OraSoothe products to help millions of patients with drug-free pain management and optimized wound healing. Listen to OraSoothe expert Dr. John Hall answer the questions other dental professionals most want to know. Take a listen! For any additional questions, visit the Resources section of this site or contact OraSoothe directly at (800) 755-0044.

Media Inquiries

  • If you are from the media, or have any news, ideas or innovations regarding advancements in oral wound care—contact us at support@orasoothe.com.