Etiology and treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis - literature review

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the characteristics and key findings reported in the literature about the possible etiology and treatment of lesions caused by Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS). Methods: It was conducted a literature review in the databases PubMed, SciELO and LILACS, from 2005 to 2012. Were used,singly or in combination, the following descriptors: Stomatitis, Aphthous; Oral Ulcer; Risk Factors and Therapeutics. Results: The pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis still remains unclear, however, there is strong evidence regarding its relationship with immunological factors and genetic mutations. The procedures performed and resources used for the treatment of lesions are palliative in order to relieve pain, there is not a therapeutic healing. Conclusion: As the uncertain etiology of RAS, the current treatment of lesions is very wide, and relies on relieving symptoms of the disease, ranging from the use of natural products, such as propolis, to anti-inflammatories, until the implementation of low-power laser.