Abstract

Purpose: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common inflammatory ulcerative condition of oral mucosa. Due to the lack of curative treatment in RAS, patients seek conventional and alternative treatments. Data regarding alternative treatments for RAS used by Indian population is lacking. Hence, the purpose of our study was to determine and describe the various traditional modalities used by patients with RAS.
Materials and Methods: Present study was carried out in patients visiting dental hospital from 2015-2016. Detailed case history recording and clinical examination was done by trained professionals. Patients diagnosed with RAS were recruited in our study. Questionnaire was given for RAS patients and data obtained was analysed.
Results: A total of 326 patients reported with RAS. The study sample consisted of 171 females (52.5%) and 155 males (47.5%). In our study 198 subjects (60.7%) gave history of receiving treatment and 128 subjects (39.3 %) did not receive any kind of treatment. Out of the 198 subjects, 63(31.8%) of individuals received conventional treatment, alternative treatments were opted by 85(43%) patients and combined treatment modalities were opted by 50(25.2%) patients. Over the counter medications were used by 36 (18%) patients. Treatment outcome was satisfactory according to 137(69%) individuals and treatment was not satisfactory for 61 (31%) patients.
Conclusion: This study gives insight into the various traditional medicines used in south India for RAS and to the best of our knowledge, this is first study which describes the same. Our study adds new information to the current literature about traditional medications for RAS.

Key words: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis; treatment; alternative; traditional