USE OF ORAL PROBIOTICS IN THE TREATMENT OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS IN ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa, characterized by the periodic appearance of painful ulcerative lesions (aphthae). These lesions are typically round or oval, covered with a fibrinous plaque, and surrounded by a hyperemic halo. Despite its high prevalence, the etiology of RAS remains multifactorial and not fully understood. Possible contributing factors include immune dysregulation, genetic predisposition, nutritional deficiencies, stress, trauma, and alterations in the oral microbiota.