title: Efficacy of omega-3 in treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and improvement of quality of life: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the effects of systemic omega-3 on the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and on the improvement of quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty participants were randomly assigned to receive either omega-3 (1 g, 3 times daily) or placebo for 6 months. Assessment of outcome measures including monthly number of new ulcers, average duration of ulcer episodes, and pain level of ulcers was carried out at baseline and monthly for 6 months. Analysis of potential impact on quality of life using the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 was carried out at baseline and 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Daily omega-3 treatment achieved a significant reduction in number of ulcers, duration of ulcers, and level of pain by 3 months that persisted for 6 months. Mean score on Oral Health Impact Profile 14 also significantly improved by 6 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A daily omega-3 regimen shows promise as therapy for treatment and management of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, October 6 University, 6th of October City, Egypt. Electronic address: amrelkhouli@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Amr M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: El Khouli
authors.affiliation: Lecturer of Oral Medicine, Periodontology, Oral Diagnosis and Radiology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, October 6 University, 6th of October City, Egypt.
authors.forename: Enas Ahmed
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: El-Gendy
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002214:Capsules; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D010919:Placebos