Journal of Dentistry and Bio-Allied Health Sciences

Register      Login

SEARCH WITHIN CONTENT

FIND ARTICLE

Volume / Issue

Online First

Related articles

VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 1 ( January-June, 2024 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers among Dental Students: A Descriptive Study

Megha SK Saraf, Sahana Shivakumar

Keywords : Dental students, Dietary habits, Prevalence, Recurrent aphthous ulcers, Stress

Citation Information : Saraf MS, Shivakumar S. Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers among Dental Students: A Descriptive Study. J Dent bio allied Health Sci 2024; 1 (1):25-27.

DOI: 10.5005/jdbahs-11017-0007

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 19-06-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) are among the most common oral mucosal lesions in the general population. Dental students, exposed to unique stressors and demands, may exhibit a higher prevalence of these lesions, which could impact their well-being and academic performance. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of RAU among dental students in Central India and to explore associated factors such as stress, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students from several colleges across Central India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed the frequency and severity of RAU episodes, alongside questions about dietary habits, stress levels, and lifestyle behaviors. The sample included 400 students, stratified by year of study to ensure representativeness. Results: The prevalence of RAU in our study population was 40%. Students in their clinical years reported a higher incidence (47%) compared with those in pre-clinical years (33%), suggesting a potential link with increased academic and clinical stress. High levels of stress, reported by 60% of participants with RAU, were significantly associated with the occurrence of ulcers (p < 0.05). Additionally, students consuming spicy foods frequently were 1.5 times more likely to develop RAU compared with those who did not (p < 0.05). Interestingly, only 40% of affected students sought treatment for their ulcers. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of RAU among dental students, particularly associated with higher levels of perceived stress and consumption of spicy foods. The study underscores the need for stress management programs and dietary modifications as potential interventions to reduce the incidence of RAU in this population.


HTML PDF Share
  1. Queiroz SIML, Silva MVA, Medeiros AMC, et al. Recurrent aphthous ulceration: An epidemiological study of etiological factors, treatment and differential diagnosis. An Bras Dermatol 2018;93(3):341–346. DOI: 10.4103/0973-029X.86669.
  2. Dhopte A, Naidu G, Singh-Makkad R, et al. Psychometric analysis of stress, anxiety and depression in patients with recurrent aphthous Stomatitis-A cross-sectional survey based study. J Clin Exp Dent 2018;10(11):e1109–e1114. DOI: 10.4317/jced.55012.
  3. Preeti L, Magesh K, Rajkumar K, et al. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2011;15(3):252–256. DOI: 10.4103/0973-029X.86669.
  4. Koybasi S, Parlak AH, Serin E, et al. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: Investigation of possible etiologic factors. Am J Otolaryngol 2006;27(4):229–232. DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2005.09.022.
  5. Porter SR, Scully C, Pedersen A. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Crit Rev Oral Biol Med 1998;9(3):306–321. DOI: 10.1177/10454411980090030401.
  6. Maheswaran T, Yamunadevi A, Ayyappan S, et al. Prevalence and family history of recurrent aphthous stomatitis among the students of a dental institution in south India. J Indian Acad Dent Spec Res 2014;1(2):53–55. DOI: 10.4103/2229-3019.148250.
  7. Porter SR, Hegarty A, Kaliakatsou F, et al. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Clin Dermatol 2000;18(5):569–578. DOI: 10.1016/S0738-081X(00)00147-4.
  8. Scully C, Gorsky M, Lozada-Nur F. The diagnosis and management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A consensus approach. J Am Dent Assoc 2003;134(2):200–207. DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.2003.0134.
  9. Nadendla LK, Meduri V, Paramkusam G, et al. Relationship of salivary cortisol and anxiety in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2015;19(1):655–659. DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.131768.
  10. De Barros Gallo C, Mimura MAM, Sugaya NN. Psychological stress and recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2009;64(7): 645–648. DOI: 10.1590/S1807-59322009000700007.
  11. Chattopadhyay A, Chatterjee S. Risk indicators for recurrent aphthous ulcers among adults in the US. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2007;35(2):152159. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2007.00329.x.
  12. Porter SR, Scully Cbe C. Aphthous ulcers (recurrent). BMJ Clin Evid 2007;2007:1303. PMID: 19454082.
  13. Brocklehurst P, Tickle M, Glenny AM, et al. Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012;(9):CD005411. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005411.pub2.
PDF Share
PDF Share

© Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.