Topical formulations have been designed specifically to treat oral mucosal diseases. Local drug delivery may provide a more targeted and efficient option than systemic delivery for diseases of the oral mucosa. Oral mucosal delivery has the potential to treat many different conditions and diseases, such as oral cancer, mucositis, lichen planus, herpes simplex, candidiasis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, vesiculo-bullous diseases, neuropathic pain and salivary dysfunction. (Sheikh et al, 2013)
The oral mucosa is not a uniformly, highly permeable tissue like gut, but shows regional variation. The keratinized areas, such as gingiva and hard palate, are least permeable and nonkeratinized lining areas are most permeable. (Squier 1991)
One of the major limitations associated with buccal delivery is low permeation of therapeutic agents across the mucosa. Various substances have been explored as permeation enhancers to increase the flux/absorption of drugs through the mucosa, but irritation, membrane damage, and toxicity are always associated with them and limit their use. (Sohi et al, 2010)
Technological advances in mucoadhesives, sustained drug release, permeability enhancers and drug delivery vectors are increasing the efficient delivery of drugs to treat oral and systemic diseases. (Hearnden et al, 2011)
Oral neurosensory appliances, whether used alone as a physical barrier or as a vehicle to deliver topical anesthetic, represent a safe and effective modality for the management of neuropathic orofacial pain disorders. (Bavarian et al, 2022)
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