What do Patients Use for Treating Their Oral Ulcers? And How do these Treatments Affect Their Quality of Life?

Objectives: Oral ulceration forms a major category of oral lesions. Due to its effect on the quality of life, the patients seek treatment using various substances. This study investigated the types of treatments used by a sample of patients having all types of oral ulcers and its positive and negative effects on the patients' lives. Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients having different types of oral ulcers. Participants provided information about their previous treatments, the source of recommendation of its use and side effects linked to them. They filled the oral health impact profile-14 questionnaire to report the change in their quality of life after treatment. The patients' educational and social levels were tested as predictors for the use of non-conventional treatments. Results: Correct pharmaceutical treatments were administered y 34% of the participants; the most effective of which were systemic and topical steroids by ulcerative oral lichen planus patients; and vitamin supplements in recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients. The majority (64.2%) of the previously treated patients used non-conventional treatments, the most widely used of which was Tahini. Half of the patients using non-conventional treatments suffered side effects. The source of information of the self-medication was attributed mainly to the patients themselves, followed by friends and family members. Conclusion: This study reflects the widely spread habit of self-medication in our sample of patients having oral ulcers. It highlights the negative influence of these remedies.