Antiaphthic

/ænˈtɪæfθɪk/ adjective

Definition

Treating or preventing aphthae, which are painful small ulcers or sores in the mouth.

Etymology

From Greek 'anti-' (against) + 'aphtha' (from Greek 'aphtha' meaning to break out). This medical term has been used for centuries to describe treatments for canker sores.

Kelly Says

Canker sores are one of those annoying mouth injuries that seem to happen for no reason and everyone gets them sometimes—antiaphthic treatments range from salt rinses that our grandmothers used to modern topical medications.

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