Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the self-reported recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) history, trigger factors of the lesions, smoking habits and nicotine dependence among a group of patients attending a dental faculty. MATERIALS and METHOD: 503 patients participated in this study (257 females, 246 males; age range 16-76 years). Sociodemographic characteristics, history of any RAS, trigger factors of the lesions, smoking habits and nicotine dependence of the patients were recorded on a standard form. Nicotine dependence was assessed according to Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). RESULTS: One hundred and sixty seven patients (33.2%) reported a history of RAS. Gender and education level did not have an effect on this lesion (p=0.100 and p=0.906, respectively). The most reported trigger factor was stress (60.9%), followed by flu/cold (47.5%). Non-smokers more often reported a lesion history compared to smokers and ex-smokers (p=0.000). The mean FTND score of patients with history of RAS was significantly greater than that of patients with no history of RAS (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: About one third of the patients had a history of RAS, and the most reported trigger factor of the lesion was found to be stress. A positive history of RAS was more often reported by non-smokers. Among smokers, nicotine dependence had an effect on the occurrence of the lesion.

Keywords: