Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part D (2025)

Aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, are oral lesions that are significantly painful, and irritating and also affect day-to-day life. Existing treatments often fall short in providing long-term relief and adhering to the linings of the mucous membrane in the mouth can be challenging. This review article explores the potential of topical oro-mucoadhesive gels as an innovative technology that can provide effective drug delivery and better outcomes in managing aphthous ulcers.
The article also highlights the causes, mechanisms, and limitations of current treatments, introducing oro-mucoadhesive drug delivery systems that use bio adhesion thereby targeting ulcers directly, enhancing drug retention, and minimizing side effects. Advances in polymer science, including natural and synthetic polymers like chitosan and hyaluronic acid are discussed, along with cutting-edge drug delivery techniques such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), nanofibers and nanogels for improved drug release and targeting. When therapeutic agents like anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs are incorporated into these gels, they have demonstrated to reduce pain and promote healing. It also emphasizes the importance of patient-friendly formulations to boost adherence.
To sum up, oro-mucoadhesive gels present a hopeful option for treating aphthous ulcers, with the potential to enhance clinical results and improve patients' quality of life.