Aphthous Ulcers Questions & Answers

Updated: Dec 28, 2022
  • Author: Jaisri R Thoppay, DDS, MBA, MS; Chief Editor: Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the focus of history in the evaluation of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

How are recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) diagnosed?

What are key points regarding recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of food additives in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What causes recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What causal mechanism is involved in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of genetics in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of gamma-delta T cells in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of heat shock protein (hsp) in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What are predisposing factors in the pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What are possible comorbidities of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) in the US?

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What are the racial predilections of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

How does the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) vary by sex?

How does the prevalence recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) differ among age groups?

What is the prognosis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What information about recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) should patients receive?

Presentation

What are the main clinical types of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What are the characteristics of minor aphthous ulcers (MiAUs)?

What are the characteristics of major aphthous ulcers (MjAUs)?

What are the characteristics of the herpetiform ulceration (HU) subtype of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What are the common history findings in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

In which conditions might recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) appear?

What are the physical findings characteristic of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of mucosal microbiome in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the genetic etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of dietary deficiencies in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of celiac disease in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of exogenous antigens in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of physical trauma in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of decayed teeth in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of microorganisms in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of dysbiosis in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), and how might Mogibacterium timidum be related?

What is the role of viruses in the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

DDX

What etiologies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Workup

What is the approach to diagnosis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of lab studies in the workup of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What are histologic findings characteristic of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Treatment

What is the treatment approach to recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the natural course of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and when is treatment indicated?

What are the treatment options for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Which topical medications are used for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of topical tetracyclines in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of systemic immunomodulators in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of oral vitamin B-12 in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Which medications used to treat recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) lack efficacy data?

What is the role of laser therapy in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Which specialist consultations are recommended for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What are dietary restrictions for patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Medications

What is the first-line treatment for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the role of chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinses in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Which systemic medications are used for the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

Which medications in the drug class Oral Rinses are used in the treatment of Aphthous Ulcers?

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

Follow-up

How are recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) prevented?

What complications may from recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?

What is the prognosis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)?