Topical Oxygen Therapy Versus Kenacort in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis - A Comparative Study

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common painful oral mucosal disorder causing significant discomfort and functional limitation. Conventional treatments mainly provide symptomatic relief with limited effect on healing. Topical oxygen therapy is a novel, non-invasive modality that may enhance tissue oxygenation and promote mucosal repair.

To evaluate the effectiveness of topical oxygen therapy in reducing ulcer size and pain in patients with RAS and compare its outcomes with Kenacort gel.

Patients with RAS received either topical oxygen therapy or Kenacort gel. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and follow-up visits. Reduction in ulcer size was the primary outcome, while pain reduction and healing time were secondary outcomes. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Both groups showed significant reductions in ulcer size and pain over time ( P < 0.001). On Day 7, greater ulcer size reduction ( P = 0.07) and lower pain scores ( P = 0.09) were observed in the oxygen therapy group, although differences were not statistically significant. By Day 14, no significant inter-group differences were found in ulcer size ( P = 0.18) or pain scores ( P = 0.15). Complete healing occurred in 70% of the Kenacort group and 77% of the oxygen therapy group ( P = 0.56).

Topical oxygen therapy showed clinical outcomes comparable to Kenacort and may be considered a safe alternative or adjunctive treatment for RAS.