Aphtous stomatitis

Aphthous stomatitis, commonly known as canker sores, are small, painful ulcers that appear inside the mouth, on the tongue, gums, or lining of the cheeks. They are usually round or oval with a white or yellow center and a surrounding red border. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but factors like stress, minor mouth injuries, certain foods, nutritional deficiencies, or stress may trigger them. These sores typically heal on their own within one to two weeks. While not contagious, they can be uncomfortable, especially when eating or talking, and maintaining good oral hygiene helps reduce their frequency.