Bonjela FAQs

About Bonjela

For generations Bonjela products have been used to soothe and treat a variety of oral ailments, such as mouth ulcers, cold sores, denture irritation, sore spots from braces and infant teething. In addition to the original Bonjela oral gel, the range now includes Bonjela Cool Mint Gel, Bonjela Teething Gel and Bonjela Once, a new applicator treatment.

The Bonjela brand has been in the news recently over concerns about it's suitability for young children. This page will answer some of the questions that are being asked.

Why has Bonjela been in the news?

Recent advice from the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) stated that topical products containing choline salicylate, should not be used by children under 16 years of age. Choline salicylate is an active ingredient in both the original Bonjela oral gel (now Bonjela Adult) and Bonjela Cool Mint Gel, but IS NOT an ingredient in Bonjela Teething Gel and Bonjela Once.

What is choline salicylate?

Choline salicylate belongs to the family of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are medicines that can relieve pain, swelling and high temperature; aspirin and ibuprofen are the two most common. Choline salicylate is similar to, but not the same as aspirin. The concern over choline salicylate is founded on an association between oral salicylates and Reye's Syndrome.

Understandably this news has caused concern and, although in the Bonjela's 40+ years of existence, there have been no reported cases of Reye's Syndrome being caused by Bonjela products, the precautionary decision has been taken to bring Bonjela and Bonjela Cool Mint Gel into line with products containing aspirin. Bonjela and Bonjela Cool Mint Gel are still suitable for adults over 16 years of age.

Is Bonjela Teething Gel safe?

Yes. Bonjela Teething Gel is unaffected by the recent advice as it DOES NOT contain choline salicylate. The recent headlines concerned Bonjela Adult and Bonjela Cool Mint Gel.

Bonjela Teething Gel remains suitable for children over 2 months of age.

Have the Bonjela formulations been altered?

No. The formulations of the Bonjela products have not been altered. The Bonjela range is receiving redesigned packaging that will clearly differentiate between the products that are suitable for adults and the products that are suitable for children. Anyone still unsure about which Bonjela product to use should always consult their doctor first.