What causes aphthous stomatitis?
The exact cause of this disease is not known. There are many factors that are thought to be involved with the development of canker sores, including: • weakened immune system • allergies to food such as coffee, chocolate, cheese, nuts and citrus fruits • stress • viruses and bacteria • trauma to the mouth • poor nutrition • certain medications Aphthous stomatitis is usually seen in children and adolescents from the ages of 10 to 19 years. For about one-third of the children affected, lesions continue to reappear for years after the initial outbreak. These ulcers are not contagious and cannot be spread from one child to another.