Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis among Dental Students: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

This study aims to determine the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among dental students. Dental students were asked to complete a questionnaire to investigate different aspects of RAS including prevalence, frequency of recurrence, and management modalities. 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. 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. RAS is a common painful oral ulcerative condition affecting young adults. RAS interferes with eating and speaking, affecting the quality of life.