Dental and Oral Health

Aphthous Stomatitis

What is aphthous stomatitis?

Aphthous stomatitis is an illness that causes small ulcers to appear in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue. Aphthous stomatitis is also known as "canker sores."

What causes aphthous stomatitis?

The exact cause of this disease is not known. There are many factors that are thought to be involved with the development of canker sores, including:

• weakened immune system
• allergies to food such as coffee, chocolate, cheese, nuts and citrus fruits
• stress
• viruses and bacteria
• trauma to the mouth
• poor nutrition
• certain medications

Aphthous stomatitis is usually seen in children and adolescents from the ages of 10 to 19 years. For about one-third of the children affected, lesions continue to reappear for years after the initial outbreak.

These ulcers are not contagious and cannot be spread from one child to another.

What are the symptoms of aphthous stomatitis?

The following are the most common symptoms of aphthous stomatitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• ulcers in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue
• ulcers that are covered with a yellow layer and have a red base
• no fever present (in most cases)
• lesions usually heal in 7 to 14 days
• lesion tend to recur

How is aphthous stomatitis diagnosed?

Aphthous stomatitis is usually diagnosed based on a complete history and physical examination of your child. The lesions are unique and usually allow for a diagnosis simply on physical examination. In addition, your child's physician may order the following tests to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes for the ulcers:

• blood tests
  
  
• cultures of the lesions
  
  
• biopsy of the lesion - taking a small piece of tissue from the lesion and examining it microscopically

Treatment for aphthous stomatitis:

Specific treatment for aphthous stomatitis will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

The goal of treatment for aphthous stomatitis is to help decrease the severity of the symptoms. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective. Treatment may include:

• increased fluid intake
• acetaminophen for any fever or pain
• proper oral hygiene
• topical medications (to help decrease the pain of the ulcers)
• mouth rinses (to help ease the pain)

It is especially important for your child to avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods, which may cause further mouth irritation.