It has been suggested that aphthous stomatitis is not a single entity, but rather a group of conditions with different causes. The cause is not entirely clear, but is thought to be multifactorial. The size, number, location, healing time, and periodicity between episodes of ulcer formation are all dependent upon the subtype of aphthous stomatitis. Īphthous ulcers typically begin as erythematous macules (reddened, flat area of mucosa) which develop into ulcers that are covered with a yellow-grey fibrinous membrane that can be scraped away. In severe cases, this prevents adequate nutrient intake leading to malnutrition and weight loss. However, severe disease is characterized by virtually constant ulceration (new lesions developing before old ones have healed) and may cause debilitating chronic pain and interfere with comfortable eating. Ulceration episodes usually occur about 3–6 times per year. Signs are limited to the lesions themselves. If there are lesions on the tongue, speaking and chewing can be uncomfortable, and ulcers on the soft palate, back of the throat, or esophagus can cause painful swallowing. Pain is worst in the days immediately following the initial formation of the ulcer, and then recedes as healing progresses. Generally, symptoms may include prodromal sensations such as burning, itching, or stinging, which may precede the appearance of any lesion by some hours and pain, which is often out of proportion to the extent of the ulceration and is worsened by physical contact, especially with certain foods and drinks (e.g., if they are acidic or abrasive). Persons with aphthous stomatitis have no detectable systemic symptoms or signs (i.e., outside the mouth). Signs and symptoms The lower lip is retracted, revealing aphthous ulcers on the labial mucosa (note erythematous "halo" surrounding ulcers) Ulcers can take many shapes and sizes. There is no cure, but treatments such as corticosteroids aim to manage pain, reduce healing time and reduce the frequency of episodes of ulceration. The onset is often during childhood or adolescence, and the condition usually lasts for several years before gradually disappearing. The condition is very common, affecting about 20% of the general population to some degree. The severe forms may be debilitating, even causing weight loss due to malnutrition. Symptoms range from a minor nuisance to interfering with eating and drinking. anywhere except the attached gingiva, the hard palate and the dorsum of the tongue – although the more severe forms, which are less common, may also involve keratinizing epithelial surfaces. Most appear on the non-keratinizing epithelial surfaces in the mouth – i.e. In the majority of cases, the individual ulcers last about 7–10 days, and ulceration episodes occur 3–6 times per year. These ulcers occur periodically and heal completely between attacks. The cause is not completely understood but involves a T cell-mediated immune response triggered by a variety of factors which may include nutritional deficiencies, local trauma, stress, hormonal influences, allergies, genetic predisposition, certain foods, dehydration, some food additives, or some hygienic chemical additives like SDS (common in toothpaste). The informal term canker sore is also used, mainly in North America, although it may also refer to other types of mouth ulcers. Mouth rinses nutritional supplements oral medicationĪphthous stomatitis, or recurrent aphthous stomatitis ( RAS), is a common condition characterized by the repeated formation of benign and non- contagious mouth ulcers (aphthae) in otherwise healthy individuals. Tingling or burning sensation prior to sore development įever, sluggishness, and/or swollen lymph nodes (severe cases only)Ĭellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) fever sores that appear outside of the mouth pain while brushing teeth, eating, and/or talkingīehçet's disease celiac disease food allergies HIV infection lupus oral injuries poor oral hygiene stress vitamin deficiencyĪvoiding foods that irritate the mouth, including acidic, hot or spicy foods avoid irritation from gum chewing avoiding oral hygiene products containing sodium lauryl sulfate, brushing with a soft-bristled brush after meals and flossing daily. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), recurring oral aphthae, recurrent aphthous ulcerationĪ round, often painful sore inside the mouth that is white or gray with a red border
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |