Oral ulceration (Part 1)

Ulceration is probably the oral mucosal condition seen most frequently by general dental practitioners. It is almost always painful and therefore sufferers are prompt to seek advice. An important exception to this generalisation is the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma, which is often painless in its early stages. Definitive diagnosis, which requires mucosal biopsy, is mandatory for any persistent area of oral ulceration. Diagnosis of oral ulceration is based on the clinical appearance of the ulcer and the history of symptoms.Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is the most frequent ulcerative condition to affect the oral mucosa.Oral ulceration usually represents a localised disorder, although on occasions, it can represent the initial manifestation of underlying systemic disease.