Efficacy of Oral Probiotic Supplementation as an Adjunct to Topical Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Comparative Clinical Study

Objectives: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) are painful, etiologically complex oral lesions lacking a definitive cure. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of oral probiotic supplementation as an adjunct to topical 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide paste. Material and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 40 RAS patients at the People’s Dental Academy, Bhopal. Participants were equally divided into two groups ( n =20) each. Group A used topical 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide alone, while Group B combined the topical steroid with oral probiotic tablets (containing Bacillus coagulans, B. clausii, and B. subtilis). Pain intensity [0–10 Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)], healing timeline, functional constraints, and satisfaction levels were documented at baseline (Day 1) and follow-up (Day 5). Intergroup differences were assessed using Student's t -test ( p < 0.05). Results: Baseline pain scores were high and comparable across both groups ( p <0.05). By Day 5, both cohorts achieved significant pain reduction, but Group B demonstrated superior outcomes. On Day 5, mild pain (VAS 0–2) was reported by 100% of Group B patients versus 95% in Group A. Early pain relief (within 1–2 days) was achieved by 30% in Group B compared to 10% in Group A. Total ulcer resolution and complete recovery from functional difficulties occurred in 100% of Group B participants and 95% of Group A participants. The mean difference in pain alleviation between the groups was statistically significant ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: Supplemental oral probiotics accelerate healing, provide faster symptomatic relief, and reduce pain more effectively than conventional corticosteroid monotherapy. Probiotics offer a harmless, potent adjunctive option for routine RAS management.