Insights into the Role of Microbial Infection in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Ulcers that form in the oral mucosa are a hallmark of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a chronic inflammatory disease. Up to 25% of the population may get aphthous ulcers, and recurrence rates within three months can reach 50%. Among women, it is more prevalent. Although the precise cause of RAS is not yet known, studies have shown that infections caused by microbes may be a major factor in the development of the disease. Infections caused by microorganisms have a complicated and multifaceted function in RAS, influencing the human immune system, the oral microbiota, and environmental variables. The purpose of this review is to provide light on how viruses and bacteria contribute to the development of RAS.