MidAmerica Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of Kourzeq (triamcinolone acetonide dental paste USP, 0.1%) for the adjunctive treatment and for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with oral inflammatory lesions and ulcerative lesions resulting from trauma.

Kourzeq contains the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide in a dental paste. While the exact mechanism of topical steroids is unclear, corticosteroids are thought to act by the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins, resulting in reduced inflammation.

Kourzeq is supplied in tubes containing 5g of dental paste. The product is available exclusively via telehealth through a partnership with BeyondMD. Patients may schedule a virtual visit with a health care professional at kourzeq.doctalkgo.com.

“We are pleased to be offering a new FDA-approved option for those living with, and suffering from, canker sores,” said Eve del Rio, MD, Chief Medical Officer for MidAmerica Pharmaceuticals. “As a board-certified immunologist with a fellowship in dermatology, I see how much canker sores negatively impact the daily activities of those suffering from them. We are proud to offer quick access to Kourzeq for appropriate patients, and we are confident that it will make a positive difference for those suffering from canker sores.”

HealthDay News — The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that the evidence is currently insufficient for recommending oral health screening and preventive interventions for children aged 5 to 17 and adults in primary care settings. These findings are presented in 2 draft recommendation statements published by the USPSTF.

Roger Chou, MD, from Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center in Portland, Oregon, and colleagues conducted a systematic review to update the evidence of primary care screening and prevention of dental caries in children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years; 23 studies and thee systematic reviews were included. The researchers found that supervised administration of fluoride supplements in schools and administration of fluoride gels, varnish, and sealant in dental or school settings improved caries outcomes. The effectiveness of these interventions needs to be determined in primary care settings. Based on these findings, the USPSTF concludes that for asymptomatic children and adolescents ages 5 to 17 years, the evidence is currently insufficient for assessing the balance of benefits and harms of routine screening and preventive interventions performed by primary care clinicians (I statements).

Chou and colleagues reviewed the evidence relating to primary care screening for and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease in adults using data from 16 studies. The researchers found that the oral health preventive interventions examined were administered by dental professionals, with the applicability and feasibility in primary care unclear. A screening questionnaire had moderate pooled sensitivity and specificity for periodontal disease. The effectiveness of primary care oral health behavioral counseling versus no counseling and referral to a dental health provider versus no referral was not examined. Based on these findings, the USPSTF concludes that for asymptomatic adults age 18 years or older, the evidence is insufficient for the balance of benefits and harms of routine screening and preventive interventions performed by primary care clinicians (I statements).

These draft recommendation statements and evidence reviews are posted for public comment. Comments can be submitted from May 23 through June 20, 2023.

Draft Evidence Review – Children

Draft Recommendation Statement – Children

Comment on Recommendation

Draft Evidence Review – Adults

Draft Recommendation Statement – Adults

Comment on Recommendation