ISSN: 2329-6631
Sharma D and Garg R
The word “Aphthous” originated from the Greek word “aphtha”, the meaning of which is ulcer Aphthous Stomatitis is one of most common ulcerative disease associated mainly with the oral mucosa characterized by the extremely painful, recurring solitary, multiple ulcers in the upper throat and oral cavity. The disease is known by lay public and professionals by several other names such as cold sores, canker sores, recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU). These are quite painful; may lead to difficulty in eating, speaking and swallowing thus may negatively affects the life standard of patient’s. Aphthous stomatitis is divided into three varieties: minor aphthae, major aphthae and herpetiform. The precise etiopathogenesis of aphthous stomatitis is not entirely disclosed. The factors responsible for aphthous ulcers are genetic predisposition, mechanical injury, microelement and vitamin B12 deficiencies, increased oxidative stress, food allergies, microbial factors, anxiety, hormonal defects, and systemic diseases. In spite of much clinical and research observation, the root causes continue to exist was imperfectly understood. The ulcers are unavoidable, and therapy is symptomatic. The goals of therapy are 3-fold: (a) control the ulcer pain, (b) stimulate healing of ulcer and (c) prevent recurrence. There are several treatment options both local and systemic for management of aphthous stomatitis. No single treatment has been found to be consistently effectual in all patients with RAU, it may be necessary to try several types of medications for optimum response and prevention of recurrence. The present review article aims to summarize the type etiopathogenesis, management and treatment options for RAS.