The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Aphthous Stomatitis

Recurrent painful oral ulcers of unknown etiology

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Aphthous Stomatitis?

Aphthous stomatitis (recurrent aphthous stomatitis, RAS) is the most common oral mucosal disease, affecting up to 25% of the population. It is characterized by recurrent painful round or oval ulcers with a shallow yellow-gray pseudomembrane and erythematous halo on the non-keratinized mucosa (buccal, labial, soft palate, ventral tongue, floor of mouth).

Three clinical forms exist: minor (< 10 mm, heals in 7-14 days without scarring, most common), major (Sutton disease, > 10 mm, heals in weeks with scarring) and herpetiform (multiple 1-3 mm ulcers coalescing). Etiology is multifactorial including genetic predisposition, local trauma, hormonal changes, stress, food sensitivities (gluten, nuts, citrus), nutritional deficiencies (B12, folate, iron, zinc) and systemic disorders (Behcet, IBD, celiac, HIV).

Symptoms

Round or oval shallow oral ulcers
Yellow-gray pseudomembrane with red halo
Severe pain disproportionate to lesion size
Predilection for non-keratinized mucosa
Recurrent episodes 1-4 times per year
Prodromal burning sensation 24-48 hours before
Difficulty eating and speaking
Healing without scarring (minor type)

Risk Factors

Family history of recurrent aphthae
Local trauma (cheek bite, hard food, dental work)
Stress and anxiety
Hormonal changes (menstruation)
Vitamin B12, folate, iron deficiency
Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Behcet disease and other systemic conditions

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Persistent ulcers lasting more than 14 days
  • Multiple recurrent painful sores
  • Ulcers larger than 1 cm
  • Severe pain interfering with eating
  • Associated genital ulcers (Behcet)
  • Diarrhea or malabsorption symptoms
  • Extensive ulcers preventing nutrition

Treatment Methods

01
Identification and avoidance of dietary triggers (gluten, nuts, citrus, chocolate)
02
Stress reduction techniques and adequate sleep
03
Topical corticosteroids (triamcinolone in Orabase, dexamethasone elixir rinse)
04
Topical anesthetics (benzocaine, lidocaine viscous) for symptomatic relief
05
Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash to prevent secondary infection
06
Investigation for B12, folate, iron, ferritin and zinc deficiencies
07
Celiac and IBD screening when indicated
08
Colchicine 0.5-1.5 mg/day for severe recurrent cases
09
Systemic prednisolone or thalidomide for refractory major aphthae

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Diş Çürüğü

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Diş çürüğü, ağız bakterilerinin şekeri fermente ederek ürettiği asitlerin diş minesi, dentin ve pulpayı tahrip etmesiyle oluşan kronik bir hastalıktır.

Diş Eti Hastalıkları (Periodontal Hastalıklar)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Periodontal hastalıklar, diş eti (gingivit) ve diş çevresindeki kemik ile bağ dokusunun (periodontit) bakteri kaynaklı iltihabıdır; tedavi edilmezse diş kaybına neden olur.

Impacted Tooth

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

An impacted tooth — most often a wisdom tooth — has not erupted fully and remains in the jaw bone or gum. It can lead to pericoronitis, caries and cysts.

Dental Implants

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that supports a crown, bridge or denture, providing the closest possible function and aesthetics to a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Teeth whitening lightens tooth color using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. In-office (professional) bleaching uses higher concentrations with light activation for faster results; home bleaching uses custom trays with lower concentrations over 1–4 weeks. Safety depends on healthy teeth, correct concentration, isolation of gums and transient sensitivity management.

Orthodontics

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits at any age, from childhood through adulthood.

Gingival Recession (Gum Recession)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Gingival recession is the apical displacement of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. It may be localized or generalized and results from mechanical trauma, periodontal disease, thin biotype or anatomic factors. Recession can cause root sensitivity, caries and aesthetic concerns; management includes cause elimination and surgical root coverage when indicated.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı

Halitosis is a chronic problem that affects a substantial part of the population. It is most often of oral origin and can interfere with social interactions.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.