Chronic aphthous stomatitis (CAS), commonly known as recurrent aphthous ulceration, is one of the most frequent inflammatory diseases affecting the oral mucosa. It is characterized by recurrent, painful, and shallow ulcerations that significantly impact the patient’s quality of life, nutrition, and speech. The etiology of CAS remains multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, nutritional deficiencies, local trauma, hormonal factors, and stress. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical features, etiopathogenesis, and diagnostic aspects of chronic aphthous stomatitis, emphasizing the diverse oral manifestations and their correlation with systemic factors.

chronic aphthous stomatitis, recurrent aphthous ulcer, oral mucosa, immune response, etiology, clinical manifestation, oral health.

Scully, C., & Porter, S. R. (2018). “Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: current concepts of etiology, pathogenesis and management.” Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 37(5), 277–283.

Preeti, L., Magesh, K. T., Rajkumar, K., & Karthik, R. (2011). “Recurrent aphthous stomatitis.” Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 15(3), 252–256.

Ship, J. A. (2016). “Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: an update.” Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology, 81(2), 141–147.

Natah, S. S., Konttinen, Y. T., Enattah, N. S., Ashammakhi, N., & Hayrinen-Immonen, R. (2014). “Recurrent aphthous ulcers today: a review of the growing knowledge.” International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 33(3), 221–234.

Akintoye, S. O., & Greenberg, M. S. (2014). “Recurrent aphthous stomatitis.” Dental Clinics of North America, 58(2), 281–297.