Effect of Zinc Oxide Ointment on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Evaluation of Zinc Oxide Ointment in Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

This randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of zinc oxide ointment in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). The study included 100 patients randomly assigned to receive either zinc oxide ointment or a placebo, applied three times daily for six days. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and oral health-related quality of life was assessed using OHIP-14 at baseline and on days 1, 3, and 6.

This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigated the efficacy of topical zinc oxide ointment in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). A total of 100 participants diagnosed with RAS were enrolled and randomly assigned in equal proportions to either the intervention group receiving zinc oxide ointment or the control group receiving a placebo formulation. The study medication was applied topically three times daily for a duration of six consecutive days.

Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and on days 1, 3, and 6 post-treatment initiation. Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), while oral health-related quality of life was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Additional clinical observation included assessment of ulcer size and surrounding erythematous halo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• -Systemically healthy subjects suffering from minor oral RAS.
• Patients of both sexes, aged 16-45 years (to avoid the potential effects of age on healing).
• Participants had not received any treatment for the ulcers before being included in the study and had no active periodontitis.
• Ulcers are of a duration of less than 48 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

• -Participants with removable prosthetic or orthodontic appliances (to avoid potential effects on healing).
• Tobacco chewers, smokers or alcoholics.
• Pregnant or lactating females.
• Patients who had previously or are presently taking medications that could affect events associated with the healing process (erg, corticosteroids, oral antidiabetics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-modulating agents).