Effect of Zinc Oxide Ointment on Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

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).