EMPOWERED ORAL CARE: NAVIGATING SELF-MEDICATION IN DENTISTRY

Self-medication in dentistry is an emerging practice wherein individuals diagnose, select, and administer oral health remedies without professional guidance. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of self-medication dentistry, focusing on its types, benefits, risks, influencing factors, the role dental professionals. The explores different types commonly observed including over-the-counter products, alternative therapies, natural home remedies, use nutraceuticals. It also highlights trends such as online information e-commerce, mobile applications, influence social media practices dentistry. benefits care, accessibility, convenience, immediate symptom relief, cost-effectiveness, are discussed. However, potential risks limitations, delayed diagnosis treatment, misdiagnosis, masking underlying issues, adverse reactions, overreliance self-medication, addressed. factors behind cultural beliefs, healthcare patient knowledge. emphasizes professionals guiding educating patients about practices, strategies for promoting safe effective self-medication. KEYWORDS – Dental practice, analgesics, OTC medicines, toothache.