Treating recurrent aphthous stomatitis with oral mucoadhesive films containing chitosan: a clinical randomized controlled study

To study the efficacy and safety of oral mucoadhesive containing chitosan for the treatment of recurrent aphothous stomatitis (RAS).

72 subjects, who were diagnosed with RAS, were involved in the study. The subjects were randomly allocated to the test or control group and shown how to use the films. The film containing chitosan was provided to the participants in the test group and the polyvinyl alcohol film was provided to the control group. Baseline, pain score (visual analog scale), ulcer size and adverse effects were recorded.

The reduction in ulcer size was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the treatment group (2.91 ± 3.66)mm² than in the control group (1.10 ± 2.26) mm² between days 4 and 6. There was no significant difference between the treatment and control groups in the pain score, ulcer size, or reduction in the pain score (P > 0.05). No obvious adverse effects were observed.

The oral mucoadhesive film containing chitosan promotes healing of RAS.