Corticosteroids (TG)

Question 1

What is the usual frequency of topical corticosteroids on an intraoral lesion?

Answer 1

bd

Question 2

Should the patient dry the oral mucosa before application of a topical corticosteroid?

Answer 2

No, it should be left moist to minimise trauma of drying.

Question 3

Why should the patient not worry if the topical corticosteroid doesn’t adhere to the intraoral area for very long?

Answer 3

Corticosteroid absorption is rapid, so frugal application and slight rubbing with the pad of the finger is more than sufficient absorption time. (using cotton bud increases trauma)

Question 4

In a person taking high dose corticosteroids (>10mg) on a regular basis, what is the risk for the patient undergoing dental surgery?

Answer 4

Suppressed adrenal function AND stress from surgery can cause Addisonan (adrenal) crisis.
- Dose of corticosteroids must be increased prior to surgery.