Aphthous ulceration

Aphthous ulcers (also known as Canker sores) are painful, shallow ulcers on the tongue or mucosal surface of the mouth. The ulcer starts as a small vesicle which then breaks down. Healing occurs without scarring.

Aphthous ulcers affect an estimated 39% to 50% of people during their lifetime

• onset typically occurs between ages 10 and 19 years, and aphthous ulcers are slightly more common in females than males
• some individuals get aphthous ulcers once or twice a year; others develop them more than once a month
• frequency of aphthous ulcers usually declines with age

Reference:

1. Stoopler ET, Villa A, Bindakhil M, et al. Common oral conditions: a review. JAMA. 2024;331(12):1045-1054. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.0953