From the Guidelines
Triamcinolone dental paste is a recommended treatment for angular cheilitis, as it has been shown to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response in the affected area. According to a study published in 2017 1, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% paste was compared with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment in a split-mouth randomized trial, and both treatments significantly reduced mucosal involvement and pain scores. To use triamcinolone dental paste for angular cheilitis, apply a small amount of the paste (0.1%) to the affected corners of the mouth 2-3 times daily after meals and before bedtime. Gently press the paste onto the lesions and avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after application.
Some key points to consider when using triamcinolone dental paste for angular cheilitis include:
- Treatment typically continues for 7-14 days, but improvement should be seen within a few days
- The affected area should be kept clean and dry, and licking the corners of the mouth should be avoided
- Good oral hygiene should be maintained to prevent complications
- If the condition does not improve within two weeks, or if it worsens, a healthcare provider should be consulted to determine if additional treatments, such as antifungal or antibacterial therapy, are needed.
It is also important to note that angular cheilitis can have multiple causes, including fungal or bacterial infections, so additional treatments may be necessary if triamcinolone alone does not resolve the condition, as mentioned in a study published in 2003 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Angular Cheilitis
- There is no specific mention of triamcinolone dental paste in the provided studies as a treatment for angular cheilitis 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The treatment options discussed in the studies include antifungals, such as 1% isoconazole nitrate (ISN) and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (DFV) ointment, which have shown promise in treating angular cheilitis 3.
- Other treatments mentioned include occlusal vertical dimension restoration, B-vitamin supplementation, anti-drooling prosthetic devices, and photodynamic therapy, although these have limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness 3.
- Establishing the underlying etiology of angular cheilitis is crucial in determining the most effective treatment approach 4.
Etiology and Risk Factors
- Angular cheilitis has a mixed etiology, with bacterial and fungal components, and may be a clinical sign of an underlying disease 2.
- Risk factors for the development of oral candidiasis, which can contribute to angular cheilitis, include immunosuppression, wearing of dentures, pharmacotherapeutics, smoking, infancy and old age, endocrine dysfunction, and decreased salivation 6.
Clinical Presentation and Importance
- Angular cheilitis is a common inflammatory disorder of the lips, characterized by erythema, rhagades, ulcerations, and crusting of one or both lip commissures and perilabial skin 2, 3.
- The disease has two age peaks, one during childhood and another in adults, and becomes more frequent with aging 2.
- Angular cheilitis is of importance in primary care, geriatrics, dentistry, pediatrics, internal medicine, and dermatology 2.