Recurrent aphthous stomatitis revisited; clinical features, associations, and new association with infant feeding practices?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disease, characterized by painful oral ulcerations whose causes is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess the characteristics of patients suffering from RAS. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty-eight consecutive patients attending an Oral Medicine Specialist Clinic in the UK were examined and 143 specific attributes recorded. RESULTS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of RAS were significantly more often males (P = 0.001) younger (P < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between a diagnosis of RAS and trauma (P = 0.044), stress (P = 0.006), non-smoking (P < 0.001), a family history (P < 0...