Aphthous stomatitis (also termed
recurrent aphthous stomatitis,
recurring oral aphthae or
recurrent aphthous ulceration; from
aphtha, "mouth ulcer") is a common condition characterized by the repeated formation of
benign and
non-contagious mouth ulcers (aphthae) in otherwise healthy individuals. The informal term
canker sores is also used, mainly in North America, although this may also refer to any mouth ulcer.