Medical Definition of ODONTOLOGY. 1. : a science dealing with the teeth, their structure and development, and their diseases.2. : forensic odontology. â odonÂ·toÂ·logÂ·iÂ·cal \-Ëdaent-ËdÃ¤nt-Él-Ëaej-ËÃ¤j\ i. kÉl adjective. : a science dealing with the teeth, their structure and development, and their diseases. 2. : forensic odontology.
1 See a doctor if canker sores are accompanied by fever, last more than three weeks, or the affected individual has difficulty swallowing.  Multiple factors may cause canker sores, including injury to the mouth, acidic or spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies, hormones, stress, or autoimmune disorders.
Causes. The precise cause of canker sores remains unclear, though researchers suspect that a combination of factors contributes to outbreaks, even in the same person.Possible triggers for canker sores include: 1  A minor injury to your mouth from dental work, overzealous brushing, sports mishaps or an accidental cheek bite. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. 2  Behcet's disease, a rare disorder that causes inflammation throughout the body, including the mouth. 3  A faulty immune system that attacks healthy cells in your mouth instead of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria.