What are aphthous ulcers?

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Multiple Choice

What are aphthous ulcers?

Aphthous ulcers are what we commonly call canker sores—small, shallow, painful ulcers that appear on the mucous lining inside the mouth. They usually have a white or yellow center with a red border and burn or hurt, especially when eating or drinking. They typically heal on their own in about 7–10 days and don’t leave a scar. They’re not the same as gum disease (which involves swollen, bleeding gums), tooth decay from sugar (which affects teeth, not mucosal surfaces), or oral cancers (which are persistent, often non-healing lesions and may have a lump or indurated edges).

Aphthous ulcers are what we commonly call canker sores—small, shallow, painful ulcers that appear on the mucous lining inside the mouth. They usually have a white or yellow center with a red border and burn or hurt, especially when eating or drinking. They typically heal on their own in about 7–10 days and don’t leave a scar. They’re not the same as gum disease (which involves swollen, bleeding gums), tooth decay from sugar (which affects teeth, not mucosal surfaces), or oral cancers (which are persistent, often non-healing lesions and may have a lump or indurated edges).

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