Forward Science has launched non-opioid oral pain relief gel for use in dental practices, the medical technology company said Dec.20.
BioStÅm adheres to oral tissue and keeps the wounded area moist while protecting it from irritation and contamination.
Forward Science said it created the gel in response to feedback from dental professionals who said they wanted an oral wound dressing.
The Houston company said it also wanted to create a solution without contributing to the opioid crisis. Up to 10 percent of medical opioids distributed in the U.S. each year are now prescribed by dentists, according to Katie Suda, PharmD, a professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh.
"The opioid epidemic has forced the dental industry to reevaluate our approach to pain management to ensure we're providing holistic care to our patients and preventing adverse outcomes from our prescribing habits," said Ellen Myers, director of training and education at Forward Science.