Management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. A review.

The management of recurrent aphthous ulceration is discussed. It appears that the treatment of choice in mild to moderately severe aphthous stomatitis is repeated application of topical tetracycline hydrochloride. Viscous lidocaine (2 percent) provides symptomatic relief and is therefore a useful adjunct to therapy. Cyclical estrogens appear to be helpful in recurrent premenstrual aphthosis. Immune-regulating agents such as levamisole hold promise for the future.