Analgesic advice for children with special needs who have odontogenic pain

Abstract

Many children struggle or refuse to take oral medications. The refusal of medication occurs for many reasons including learned and pre-existing anxiety, sensitivity to tastes and textures and sensory–motor/coordination difficulties (for tablet swallowing). Oral analgesics play a vital role in managing the odontogenic pain of children. This is especially true when they have limited access to appropriate dental care services, are pre-cooperative or lack the ability to be compliant for conventional dental treatment. Practical advice around the facilitation of analgesic administration for odontogenic pain is lacking for parents of children who may not accept conventional preparations.