Etiology

• Immunological disorder – T cell mediated
• Neurogenic inflammation
• Nutritional deficiency – B12, folic acid, iron
• Microbial – Viral, bacteria
• Mucosal healing defects – by cytokine inhibition

Clinical

• Burning/tingling sensation
• Painful recurrent ulceration
• Ulcer on non keratinized mucosa
  • Slightly raised erythematous margin
  • Necrotic base

Histology

• Non specific inflammation + macrophages and mast cells
• Absence of viral infected cells
• Differential diagnosis: Herpetic gingivostomatitis

Subtypes

	Minor aphthae	Major aphthae	Herpetiform aphthae
Size	0-0.5cm	>0.5cm	0-0.5cm
Shape	Oval	Ragged oval, crateriform	Oval
Number	1-10	1-5	10-100
Location	Non keratinized mucosa	Non keratinized mucosa	Any intra oral site

Management

• Corticosteroid therapy + tetracycline mouthwash

Picture