From the Guidelines
Riboflavin supplements are recommended for treating angular stomatitis, particularly when the condition is caused by a nutritional deficiency. According to the study 1, riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency can cause cheilosis, glossitis, and corneal vascularization, which are all related to angular stomatitis. The typical dosage for adults is 5-10 mg of riboflavin daily, taken orally for 2-4 weeks or until symptoms resolve.
Key Considerations
- Riboflavin can be found as a standalone supplement or as part of a B-complex vitamin.
- For severe cases, starting with the higher dose (10 mg) and then reducing to 5 mg for maintenance may be beneficial.
- Taking the supplement with food can improve absorption.
- Applying petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment to the affected corners of the mouth can help protect the area and promote healing.
Mechanism of Action
Riboflavin works by supporting tissue repair and maintaining mucous membrane health, which is essential for healing the cracks at the corners of the mouth characteristic of angular stomatitis. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to inflammation and breakdown of the skin at the mouth corners. Most people see improvement within 1-2 weeks of consistent supplementation, though complete resolution may take longer depending on severity. As noted in the study 1, food sources of riboflavin include meat, dairy products, eggs, green vegetables, whole grains, and enriched breads and cereals.
From the Research
Riboflavin Supplement for Angular Stomatitis
- The use of riboflavin supplements for angular stomatitis is supported by a study published in 2002 2, which found that riboflavin status was associated with angular stomatitis in adolescent Bhutanese refugees.
- The study found that adolescents with angular stomatitis had significantly lower riboflavin concentrations than those without the condition, and that the adjusted odds ratio for angular stomatitis and low riboflavin concentrations was 5.1.
- Another study published in 2020 3 mentions B-vitamin supplementation, including riboflavin, as a potential treatment for angular cheilitis, which is a related condition to angular stomatitis.
- However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of riboflavin supplements for angular stomatitis, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between riboflavin and the condition.
Related Conditions
- Angular cheilitis is a related condition to angular stomatitis, and is characterized by erythema, rhagades, ulcerations, and crusting of one or both lip commissures and perilabial skin 3.
- Denture stomatitis is another related condition, which is a multifactorial infectious, inflammatory, and hyperplastic condition caused by poor oral hygiene, poor denture hygiene, and full-time denture wear 4, 5.
- Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a painful and often recurrent inflammatory process of the oral mucosa, which can appear secondary to various well-defined disease processes 6.
Treatment Options
- The treatment of angular stomatitis and related conditions often involves a combination of topical medications, systemic medications, and behavioral changes, such as improved oral hygiene and denture care 3, 4, 5.
- Riboflavin supplements may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for angular stomatitis, but more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.