Could probiotics replace steroids for canker sores?
NCT ID NCT07672730
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares a new probiotic gel to a standard steroid gel for treating minor recurrent canker sores—painful mouth ulcers that make eating and talking difficult. Adults with these sores will apply either the probiotic or steroid gel four times daily for up to two weeks. Researchers will measure ulcer size, pain levels, and a molecule in saliva called microRNA-146a that may indicate healing.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Probiotic gel (topical)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this probiotic gel could offer a natural alternative to steroids for treating canker sores, potentially with fewer side effects.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The probiotic gel may not work as well as the standard steroid treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
42 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Feb 2026
- Finished
-
Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Both genders * Adults ≥18 years diagnosed with minor recurrent aphthous ulcer based on clinical examination (Parra-Moreno et al., 2023). * The definitive diagnostic criteria for Minor Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers (Minor RAU/RAS) rely heavily on distinct clinical features and standard medical histories. Because there is no single definitive lab test or histopathological standard, diagnosis is made primarily by clinical evaluation (Baccaglini et al., 2013; Akintoye and Greenberg, 2014) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with major aphthous ulcer or traumatic ulcers, patients took steroids in last 6 months, vulnerable groups as prisoners, mentally disabled, pregnant orlactating women (El-Haddad et al., 2014).
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Minor recurrent aphthous ulcers are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Faculty of Dentistry (Menoufia University and Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Egypt).
Cairo, Egypt