A Comparative Study of Dexamethasone Ointment along with Triamcinolone Acetonide in Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

AIM: To assess and compare the efficacy of dexamethasone ointment with triamcinolone acetonide, the gel form, in the treatment of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial of 60 patients of either sex with clinically diagnosed RAS who were randomly divided into two groups—the dexamethasone ointment group (Group I) and the triamcinolone acetonide gel group (Group II). Patients were asked to apply the gel three times a day on each ulcer. Estimation of the efficacy of gel was done based on the time required for regression in pain, size, and number of ulcers. RESULTS: The results showed there was a significant difference in size, pain, number, and duration of ulcers in Group I and Group II within 7 days. However, in both groups, no significant difference was noted in the treatment of RAS. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone ointment was found to be efficient in this treatment and was safe as evaluated using clinical assessments.