https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi
volume 4, issue 3, 2025
842
THE INCIDENCE OF APHTHOUS STOMATITIS IN CHILDREN RECEIVING
ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY
Author:
Khadzhaev Tokhir Avazkhanovich
Student of the Faculty of Pediatrics
Location: Fergana, Republic of Uzbekistan
ABSTRACT:
Relevance. Aphthous stomatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa,
often marked by the appearance of recurrent, painful ulcerations. In pediatric patients, antibiotic
therapy has been increasingly recognized as a contributing factor in the development of this
condition. Antibacterial medications may disrupt the natural balance of the oral microbiota,
weaken mucosal defenses, and alter local immune regulation, thereby creating favorable
conditions for the onset of aphthous lesions.
Keywords:
aphthous stomatitis, children, antibiotic treatment, oral microbiome, inflammation,
cephalosporins, pediatric dentistry.
Objective.
To evaluate the incidence of aphthous stomatitis in children undergoing systemic
antibiotic therapy and to identify potential correlations with specific antibiotic classes and
treatment duration.
Materials and Methods.
The clinical study was conducted with 120 children aged 1 to 12 years.
Participants were divided into two groups: the main group (n=60) received systemic antibiotics
(penicillins, macrolides, and third-generation cephalosporins), while the control group (n=60) did
not undergo antibiotic treatment during the observation period. Diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis
was based on clinical criteria, including visual examination of oral lesions and patient-reported
symptoms.
Results.
Aphthous stomatitis was diagnosed in 23 children (38.3%) from the antibiotic group,
compared to only 7 children (11.6%) in the control group, with a statistically significant
difference (p<0.01). Among various antibiotics, third-generation cephalosporins showed the
highest association with the occurrence of lesions. The risk was notably elevated in children
treated with antibiotics for more than 7 consecutive days. Children under the age of 5
demonstrated a higher frequency of lesions, which may reflect age-related immaturity of the
mucosal immune response.
Conclusion.
The findings indicate a significant association between antibiotic therapy and the
development of aphthous stomatitis in pediatric patients. Preventive measures—such as probiotic
supplementation, regular oral hygiene practices, and close monitoring of the oral mucosa—
should be considered when prescribing antibiotics to children.
References
1. 1. Volkov I.K., Reznikov A.G. Aphthous stomatitis in children: pathogenesis, diagnosis and
treatment. Russian Journal of Pediatric Dentistry. 2021;3:25–31.
2. 2. World Health Organization. Guidelines for Antibiotic Use in Children. Geneva: WHO;
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3. 3. Ivanov S.V., Nikitina O.V. The effect of antibiotics on the oral microbiome in pediatric
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