To the sore spot. How to choose the right drug in the treatment of inflammation in the mouth?

Reading the label

Gel with metronidazole and chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine is one of the most popular antiseptics that has been known for more than 60 years, but still retains its importance in antimicrobial treatment. Chlorhexidine acts at the level of the cell membrane, leading to the death of the bacterial cell. Metoronidazole is an antibiotic, so this drug will be effective if the inflammation is caused by bacteria. However, viruses and fungi can also cause inflammation. In this case, the antibiotic is useless.

Despite the same water base, the gels have a different composition. Therefore, they act differently. Consider several types of gels, based on what active ingredients they contain.

Gel with lidocaine and extracts of medicinal plants.

Excellent anesthetizes, slightly relieves inflammation due to plant extracts, but does not affect bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Gel containing choline salicylate and cetalkonium chloride.

Choline salicylate and cetalkonium chloride can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation and act against bacteria, viruses and fungi. This means that with inflammation of the oral cavity, which can be caused by various infections (and not just bacterial), it is more advisable to choose a gel that includes choline salicylate and cetalkonium chloride, which acts against a wide range of pathogens.