Mouth ulcers are a common complaint by patients, with individuals regularly presenting to primary care practitioners for diagnosis and treatment. The aetiology and pathogenesis of oral ulceration is, however, both varied and complex. This article highlights the importance of differentiating recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) in otherwise healthy individuals from recurrent oral ulceration (ROU) secondary to known or unknown systemic disease. An overview of the diagnosis and management of such patients is provided as a framework to guide general dental practitioners’ with clinical decision making on whether to treat or refer to secondary care.
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