Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. An update.

Recurrent aphthous ulceration or recurrent aphthous stomatitis is the most common oral mucosal disease known to human beings. Despite much clinical and research attention, the causes remain poorly understood, the ulcers are not preventable, and treatment is symptomatic. The most common presentation is minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis: recurrent, round, clearly defined, small, painful ulcers that heal in 10 to 14 days without scarring. Major recurrent aphthous stomatitis lesions are larger (greater than 5 mm), can last for 6 weeks or longer, and frequently scar. The third variety of recurrent aphthous stomatitis is herpetiform ulcers, which present as multiple small clusters of pinpoint lesions that can coalesce to form large irregular ulcers and last 7 to 10 days. Diagnosis of all varieties is usually made after clinical examination. Many local and systemic factors have been associated with these conditions, and there is evidence that there may be a genetic and immunopathogenic basis for recurrent aphthous ulceration. Management of this condition depends on the clinical presentation and symptoms and includes analgesic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory drugs. As dental clinicians and researchers become better trained in oral medicine and stomatology, it is anticipated that the pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment of recurrent aphthous ulceration will improve in the future.