Evidence Based Review in the Management of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

This evidence-based study of the literature set out to examine the various treatment options for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and identify the best therapeutic choice for managing the condition. Currently, treatment options include symptomatic relief. The review is based on literature from a search of several electronic databases including references from the potential articles obtained, as well as information obtained from dental textbooks and an oral pathologist. A total of 69 randomized control trials (RCTs) were deemed relevant and were critically appraised according to an “efficacy checklist”. Six studies met the criteria of scoring >13/15 on the checklist with statistically significant results and potential applications in clinical treatment. The therapeutic options investigated included 5% amlexanox, penicillin G, silver-nitrate cautery and doxymycine. Benefits versus risk for each treatment option were examined, and the best form of therapy was based on an agent that would encompass reduction in pain and healing time and prevent further recurrences. Based on these criteria, 5% amlexanox was determined to be the most effective form of treatment for RAS.