Clinical evaluation of benzydamine, chlorhexidine, and placebo mouthwashes in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Eighteen patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis were given alcoholic benzydamine hydrochloride, aqueous chlorhexidine, or a benzydamine-free placebo mouthwash in random order. Each patient used each preparation for a 3-month period. Ulcer diaries were marked at the same time each week during the 9-month test period. Records were made of the number, size, sites, and pain severity of any ulcers present. Statistical analysis of the results showed no significant differences between any of the treatments tested. Stinging of the oral mucosa was the only consistent side effects noted by nine patients using benzydamine, nine patients using placebo, and three patients using chlorhexidine. Eight patients stated a personal preference for benzydamine because of the transient local anesthetic effect of benzydamine, which gave pain relief.