dental disorders
Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Diagnosis of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Clinical evaluation Evaluation proceeds as described previously under Stomatitis . Diagnosis is based on appearance and on exclusion because there are no definitive histologic features or laboratory tests. Primary Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections may mimic RAS but usually occurs in younger children, always involves the gingiva, may affect any keratinized mucosa (hard palate, attached gingiva, dorsum of tongue), and is associated with systemic symptoms. Viral culture can be done to identify herpes simplex. Recurrent herpetic lesions are usually unilateral. Similar recurrent episodes, often with multiple ulcers, can occur with Behçet Disease , Drug reactions may mimic RAS but are usually temporally related to ingestion. However, reactions to foods or dental products may be difficult to identify; sequential elimination may be necessary. 