Ordinary recurrent aphthous ulcers are common, but context matters
Recurrent ulcers often occur without a systemic disease; location, frequency and healing help guide interpretation.
Several explanations may be worth exploring
- Recurrent aphthous stomatitisPainful shallow ulcers can recur without systemic illness.
- Nutrient deficiencyIron, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to recurrent oral lesions.
- Other oral mucosal diseasePersistent solitary lesions require examination to exclude infection and other pathology.
- Medication-related ulcerationSome medicines can provoke ulcers or mucosal injury.