Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are a common oral health complaint.
A canker sore is a type of mouth ulcer known medically as an aphthous ulcer. Aphthous ulcers are one of the most common complaints of the mouth, occurring at any age but being more likely in younger adults and women.2-5
A first episode often occurs during adolescence, although children as young as 2 years may develop canker sores.3,6
Many people have only occasional aphthous ulcers. The proportion of the population affected by recurrent episodes is estimated to range between 20% and 30%.4,7-9
