Topical minocycline and tetracycline rinses in treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A randomized cross-over study

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common ulcerative condition of the oral mucosa. We assessed minocycline and tetracycline oral rinses in patients with frequent episodes of RAS in a clinical randomized crossover trial. Seventeen patients with high frequency recurrent minor RAS were randomly allocated to a cross-over topical therapy with 0.2 percent minocycline or 0.25 percent tetracycline aqueous solution mouthwash. The minimum interval between the crossover was 30 days. The intensity of pain was recorded daily using a visual analogue scale. Minocycline mouthwashes as compared to topical tetracycline rinses resulted in significantly improved pain control, by reducing the severity and duration of pain. Topical minocycline rinse may be a potential treatment for other mucosal diseases that result in mucosal ulceration and pain.