Recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Etiology and Epidemiology: The Greek term aphthai was initially used in rel ation to disorders of the mouth and is credited to Hippocrates (460-370 BC) . Today, recurrent aphthous ulceration, or recurrent aphthous stomatitis (R AS), is recognized as the most common oral mucosal disease known to human b eings.(1) Considerable research attention has been devoted to elucidating t he causes of RAS; local and systemic conditions, and genetic, immunologic, and infectious microbial factors all have been identified as potential etio pathogenic agents (Table 1).(2-71) However, to date, no principal etiology has been discovered. Epidemiologic studies indicate that the prevalence of RAS is between 2% and 50% in the general population; most estimates fall be tween 5% and 25%.(64,67,68,72-80) In selected groups, such as medical and d ental students, it has been observed with a frequency as high as 50% to 60% . The peak age of onset for RAS is between 10 and 19 years.(73,81) After ch ildhood and adolescence, it may continue throughout the entire human lifesp an without geographic or age-, sex-, or race-related preference.