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.
Canker sores are not contagious and are not related to the herpes simplex virus, also known as cold sores. Canker sores are thought to be caused by: Injuries to the mouth, as seen frequently by contact sports players. Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek or lip may also result in a canker sore.