Citation Information :
Al-Johani K. Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis among Dental Students: A Cross Sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2019; 20 (8):893-895.
Aim: This study aims to determine the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among dental students.
Materials and methods: Dental students were asked to complete a questionnaire to investigate different aspects of RAS including prevalence, frequency of recurrence, and management modalities.
Results: Of the 382 study participants (230 women, 152 men; 21–28 years old), 83 had a history of RAS (45 women, 38 men). A positive family history of RAS was more common in participants with RAS (48.2%) than in those without RAS (9.0%). Stress was reported as the most common trigger for an attack (53%), and the most commonly affected sites were the labial and the buccal mucosa. Reported treatment modalities included topical anesthetic, honey, and/or warm salt water rinsing; however, most participants reported no benefit from treatment apart from a temporary relief.
Conclusion: RAS is common among dental students in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite ongoing research, the etiology of RAS is still unknown, and only symptomatic treatment is available.
Clinical significance: RAS is a common painful oral ulcerative condition affecting young adults. RAS interferes with eating and speaking, affecting the quality of life.
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