Aphthous ulcers of the oral cavity are frequently encountered in general pr
actice. Although the exact pathophysiology remains obscure, many factors ca
n contribute to the pathogenesis of these lesions, such as immunological fa
ctors, local trauma, smoking, stress, hormonal state, family history, food
hypersensitivity,and infection. We describe three patients in whom a clear
relationship appeared to exist between recurrent aphthous ulcers and a defi
ciency of vitamin B12. Tt is concluded that in all patients with recurrent
aphthous ulceration, deficiency of vitamin B12 should be considered. (C) 19
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