COMMON LESIONS OF THE ORAL CAVITY

oralcavitykapak

UNDERSTANDING RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS: COMPREHENSIVE INSIGHTS INTO CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND INNOVATIONS IN TREATMENT

Muhammed Enes

Naralan Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Rize, Türkiye

Naralan ME. Understanding Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: Comprehensive Insights into Causes, Symptoms and Innovations in Treatment. In: Çakır B editor. Common Lesions of the Oral Cavity. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.1-8.

ABSTRACT

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa. It is characterized by small, painful, round, or oval ulcers on the buccal and labial mucosa or the ventral surface of the tongue. Lesions heal spontaneously within 1-2 weeks, though larger ulcers may heal with scarring. The etiology involves factors such as genetic predisposition, immune system abnormalities, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. Genetic markers like HLA-B51 have been linked to increased susceptibility in some individuals.

The prevalence of RAS varies among populations and typically begins in childhood or adolescence, decreasing in frequency with age. Clinically, it is categorized into three main subtypes: Minor (most common), Major (severe), and Herpetiform aphthous stomatitis. The pathogenesis involves immune complex vasculitis and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a.

Treatment is primarily symptomatic, aiming to relieve pain, expedite healing, and prevent recurrences. Topical treatments are effective for mild cases, while systemic therapies are used for severe or recurrent cases. Recently, biologic agents and laser therapy have emerged as alternative options. Furthermore, dietary supplements and probiotics have been suggested to enhance treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Aphthous stomatitis; Oral ulcer; Mouth diseases; Stomatitis; Mouth mucosa

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