Aphthous Stomatitis Questions & Answers

Updated: Sep 25, 2020
  • Author: Ginat W Mirowski, MD, DMD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What is the pathophysiology of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Where in the mucosa does aphthous stomatitis (canker sore) occur?

How are aphthous stomatitis (canker sore) categorized?

What are characteristics of recurrent aphthous ulcer minor (Mikulicz ulcer)?

What are characteristics of recurrent aphthous ulcer major (Sutton ulcer, periadenitis mucosa necrotica recurrens)?

What are characteristics of herpetiform recurrent aphthous ulcers?

What is the prevalence of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What is the global prevalence of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

How does the prevalence of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore) vary by sex?

How does the prevalence of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore) vary by age?

Where can patient education resources be found for aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Presentation

What should be the focus of history in the evaluation of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Which physical findings are characteristic of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What causes aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What is the role of genetics in the etiology of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What is the role of hematinic deficiency in the etiology of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What is the role of immune dysregulation in the etiology of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What are findings associated with immune dysregulation in patients with aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What is the role of microbial infection in the etiology of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

DDX

Which clinical conditions are considered in the differential diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Aphthous Stomatitis?

Workup

What is the Ulcer Severity Score (USS) for the assessment of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Which lab studies are performed in the diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Which tests may be performed to differentiate aphthous stomatitis (canker sore) from other conditions?

Which histologic findings suggest aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Treatment

What is the basis for treatment selection in aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Which topical medications are used in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

Which systemic agents are used in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What are less common medical treatment options for aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

What is the role of laser therapy in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

When is surgery indicated in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

How is dietary modification used in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis (canker sore)?

How are aphthous stomatitis (canker sore) prevented?

Medications

What are the goals of drug treatment for aphthous stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Ear, Eye, Nose & Throat, Herbals are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Secretagogues are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Hemorheologic agents are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Antibacterial agents are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Retinoids are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Topical immunomodulators are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Immunosuppressants are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Topical occlusives are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Coating agents are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Anesthetics are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis?