The benefit of glucocorticoids applied topically is greatest
when the period of contact with the tissue is maximal. Retention
at the site of application is difficult in the oral cavity. A
partial solution is to apply the drug in a paste that adheres to
the mucosa and resists dissolution and displacement. One
such vehicle is carboxymethylcellulose in a base of polyethylene
resin and mineral oil (Orabase); it is available with or
without a glucocorticoid. Symptomatic relief of many oral
ulcers, particularly ulcers likely to be limited in duration, may
be obtained with the adhesive paste alone.