Table 2

Classification of oral aphthae by morphology4

ClassFeatures
Minor Aphthae (80%)
 MiRAS
 Figure 2

  • Single to few ulcers

  • <1 cm diameter

  • Spontaneous resolution within 7–10 days

  • No scarring

  • Occur predominantly on non-keratinised mucosa

Major Aphthae (10%)
 MaRAS
 Figures 1 and 3

  •  Single to few ulcers

  •  Deep and >1 cm in diameter

  •  Prolonged healing >2 weeks

  •  Scarring

  •  Occur on non-keratinised but also keratinised mucosa

Herpetiform Aphthae (10%)
 –

  •  10–100 ulcers

  •  Very small (1–3 mm, often grouped)

  •  Spontaneous healing in days to weeks

  •  May scar

  •  Often occur on ventral surface of tongue

  • RAS, recurrent aphthous stomatitis