DEMYSTIFYING THE PHENOMENON OF APHTHOUS ULCERS
A Peer-Reviewed Publication Written by Lisa Dowst-Mayo, RDH, BSDH
Abstract
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common idiopathic ulcerative condition seen today, affecting over 100 million Americans. Ulcers can be painful, slow to heal, difficult to treat, and at worst, cause impairments in eating, drinking, sleeping, and speaking. This review of the literature found many different treatment options whose effectiveness remains inconclusive, and to date, there is no one definitive treatment modality for RAS. Even though aphthous ulcers have been studied extensively, there are still many unknowns when it comes to their composition, pathophysiology, and manifestations in the oral cavity. Research does conclude that RAS may be the secondary issue of a more serious systemic infection in patients. This course will provide the most current research-based tools for for professionals who are trying to aid their patients suffering from RAS.
To view this course in its entirety, please click here.
