Treatments for Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Literature Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This literature review aims to provide guidance on the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) based on studies published over the past 10 years. METHODS: This study included randomized clinical trials involving human patients from 2013 and 2023, published in any language. The trials examined both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for aphthous lesions, mainly focusing on the adult population, with pain management as the primary outcome. The research was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and CINHAL databases. RESULTS: Most of the 45 analyzed studies focused on non-pharmacological therapies, which led to positive results with minimal adverse effects or contraindications, even when compared to cortisone-based treatments. Laser therapy also showed excellent results, particularly in the immediate post-treatment period. Non-pharmacological therapies appeared to offer the best risk-benefit ratio for patients suffering from RAS. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment should be individualized based on the patient's specific form of RAS, and laser therapy can be used either as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct to other treatments considered in the review.