Use of Corticosteroid in Oral Therapeutic and Palliative Care by Dental Private Practitioners-A Questionnaire based Study

Abstract

Background Corticosteroids (CS) are an important class of naturally occurring and synthetic steroid hormones that affect virtually every aspect of human physiology. CS are commonly used for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive property in the management of diverse conditions associated with chronic inflammation and immune phenomenon including many oral conditions. This study was undertaken to know the use of CS in oral therapeutic and palliative care by dental private practitioners in Vadodara City. Materials and Methods A self-prepared validated questionnaire for assessing CS use in oral therapeutic and palliative care was distributed among 100 private practitioners (50 BDS graduates and 50 MDS graduates) of Vadodara City. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the response of the dentists. Results and Observation Thirty-five percent of private practitioners (15 MDS and 20 BDS) have never prescribed CS during their practice. Mostly the use of CS in private practice was for treating oral lichen planus (OLP) followed by oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Most common route of CS administration for managing oral and dental conditions is topical followed by intralesional injections. Triamcinolone acetonide followed by dexamethasone are commonly used CS for managing oral and dental conditions amongst study participants. Drug tapering is commonly followed before discontinuation of the CS drug among private practitioners. Conclusion The use of CS in private practice is limited and used only in certain oral mucosal lesions.