The use of contraceptive pills in treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration.

Although of uncertain etiology aphthous ulcers occur more often in females and have been noted to increase in frequency during the premenstrual week. The onset of ulceration is associated with withdrawal of estrogen and changes in the oral mucosa may be the result of progesterone acting on a tissue previously subjected to considerable estrogen activity. 15 women aged 17-28 were examined in a clinical trial of contraceptive pills as a treatment of persistent aphthous ulceration occurring premenstrually. After 6 months of treatment 5 (33.3%) reported no recurrence 3 (20%) showed marked clinical improvement 4 (26.6%) demonstrated slight improvement and 3 (20%) reported no change. No complaints concerning dysmenorrhea were noted and premenstrual tension was alleviated. However the 4 single women in the sample used oral contraceptives for 2-3 months only not 6 months because of embarassment. It is emphasized that dental surgeons should not prescribe oral contraceptives to their patients because of the need for a thorough gynecological examination.