Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the recommended treatment for major aphthous ulcers?

1. Antibiotics

2. Corticosteroids

3. Antivirals

4. Analgesics

The correct answer is: Corticosteroids

The recommended treatment for major aphthous ulcers is corticosteroids because they are effective in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in painful ulcers. Major aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, are characterized by their larger size and greater severity compared to minor types. Corticosteroids help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with these ulcers and can significantly speed up the recovery process. Topical or systemic corticosteroids are often used, depending on the severity of the ulcers. While analgesics can provide symptomatic relief from pain, they do not address the underlying inflammation or aid in the healing process, which is critical for major ulcers. Antibiotics are irrelevant in this context since aphthous ulcers are not caused by a bacterial infection, and antivirals are also not indicated because these ulcers are not viral in nature. Thus, corticosteroids stand out as the most effective approach for managing major aphthous ulcers.