Salivary Catecholamines in Aphthous Stomatitis (Canker Sores)

Salivary Catecholamines in Aphthous Stomatitis

The purpose of this study is to examine how compounds produced in patients with canker sores affect wound healing.

The purpose of this study is to determine if salivary catecholamines are elevated in patients with the disease aphthous stomatitis. The results of this study will be combined with those performed in collaboration with a co-Investigator to understand the effects of catecholamines on mucosal wound healing and oral epithelial cell migration.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or older, both genders
• History of recurrent aphthous ulcers with 4 or more episodes per year

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of salivary gland disease including Sjogren's disease, parotitis, and sialolithiasis
• History of benign or malignant salivary gland tumor
• History of celiac disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Patients on medications that affect salivary flow such as anti-depressants and anti-cholinergic medications