Method: Methods: Laboratory studies tested hydrogels and denture adhesives to deliver the active ingredients to the oral mucosa. Clinical trials were then carried out. Recurrent oral ulcers were treated with a low dose-doxycycline (1.5 mg/g) hydrogel applied to the aphthous ulcer 4 times per day for 3 days. A denture adhesive containing 3% monocaprin was tested in elderly subjects to determine its inhibition of Candida growth on the oral mucosa and its potential use as a denture disinfectant. The anti-viral activity of monocaprin combined with the matrix metalloproteinase inhibiting activity of doxycycline in a muco-adhesive gel was tested in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial for treating herpes labialis.
Result: Results: The results of clinical trials showed that 70% of topically treated aphthous ulcers healed by the third day compared with 25% of placebo controls (p<0.005). The combination of monocaprin and doxycycline reduced the healing time of herpes labialis lesions, both at prodromal and vesicle stages, by about 2 days (p<0.05). Pain scores were also reduced. Monocaprin in a denture adhesive reduced counts of Candida on the oral mucosa but especially on the denture fitting surface and had a potential for preventing oral candidosis over a longer period.
Conclusion: Conclusion: The results indicated that the treatments of these common conditions in the oral cavity can be improved using topical delivery systems containing monocaprin and low-dose doxycycline.