Aphthous ulcer
Aphthous ulcer
Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They are not contagious but can be painful and make eating and talking difficult.
Pronunciation
Aphthous ulcer: /ˈæf.θəs ˈʌl.sər/
Etymology
The term "aphthous" is derived from the Greek word "aphtha", which means ulcer. It was first used in English in the late 14th century.
Symptoms
Aphthous ulcers are usually round or oval with a white or yellowish center and a red border. They commonly appear inside the lips, cheeks, soft palate, the base of the gums and tongue.
Causes
The exact cause of aphthous ulcers is unknown. However, certain factors such as stress, tissue injury, certain foods, and deficiencies in vitamin B-12, zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron can trigger the onset of the ulcers.
Treatment
Treatment for aphthous ulcers focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, often with the use of topical medications or mouth rinses.
Related Terms
- Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mouth and lips.
- Oral ulcer: An open sore inside the mouth.
- Mouth ulcer: A sore on the mouth that causes discomfort.
- Canker sore: Another term for aphthous ulcer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aphthous ulcer
- Wikipedia's article - Aphthous ulcer
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