Aftas de la mucosa oral

Abstract

Background: Aphthae is a common oral disorder whose definition is difficult due to the general denomination of several ulcerations and erosions as aphthae. The aim of this monographic is to go through the current bibliography on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and management of the oral aphthae lesions. Material and methods: We review the published data on Pubmed from 2000 through 2008. Results: Aphtae are defined as an ulcerate-vesiculous lesions over an eritematous base that go by different periods. There is still no conclusive evidence relevant to the etiopathogenesis of this lesions. Aphtae may have a multifactorial cause and the literature suggests either a genetic basis or the existence of predisposing factors such as trauma, stress, food, hormonal imbalance, tobacco and also the role of virus and bacteria, vitamin deficiencies and immunologic factors. There exist three clinical presentations that are the minor aphthae, major aphthae and herpetiform ulcers. Evenmore, there are some syndromes that occur with oral aphthous which are also called "aphthous syndromes". Since the etiology of the lesions remains unknown and the cyclic nature of the process, it makes difficult to have a definitive treatment. Numerous and miscelany therapies have been proposed but the results found on the vast literature are inconsistent. Thus, the therapy should be tailored to each patient as individually. The goal of this symptomatic therapy is to decrease symptoms, reduce ulcer number and size and increase disease-free period.