What term describes a canker sore?

A canker sore is medically referred to as an aphthous ulcer. This term specifically designates a small, painful ulceration that occurs in the mucous membranes of the mouth. Aphthous ulcers are typically round or oval and have a gray or whitish appearance with a red halo around them. They can be triggered by various factors, including stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or vitamin deficiencies, but their exact cause often remains unknown.

Recognizing aphthous ulcers is important for diagnosis because they can impact the quality of life and interfere with eating and speaking. In contrast, other terms like plaque, leukoplakia, and epulis describe different oral conditions or lesions. Plaque refers to a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches in the oral cavity that can signify irritation or, in some cases, be precursors to cancer. An epulis is a tumor or growth that forms on the gum tissue. Understanding these distinctions aids in the appropriate identification and management of oral lesions.