ABSTRACT
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral condition influenced by stress and salivary flow rate. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate salivary flow rates among dental students during module exams. Unstimulated saliva flow rates (SFR) and the presence of RAS were documented. The sample consisted of 65% females and 35% males, with 56.67% experiencing RAS, predominantly in females (79.41%). The most common sites for RAS were the labial mucosa (58.9%), the floor of the mouth (17.7%), and the buccal mucosa (14.7%). The mean SFR in the RAS group was 3.72 ml/10 min, while in the non-RAS group, it was 6.25 ml/10 min. A significant difference in SFR was observed between the groups (p<0.001). RAS was more prevalent in female subjects and was associated with a reduced salivary flow rate. This suggests that reduced salivary flow may contribute to the development of RAS, particularly under exam stress.
