Few people know what causes stomatitis and what kind of pathology it is, although the disease appears in approximately 4 parts of the entire population of the planet.
The disease is characterized by the accumulation of plaque and ulcers in oral cavity, often appears in children, but can occur in adults. Stomatitis has many types, so the causes and symptoms of the disease will vary.
Stomatitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the oral mucosa and affects the tongue, palate, cheeks and lips. In rare cases, symptoms of the disease appear under the tongue.
In medicine, there are several other diseases that have similar symptoms, among them are:
- Glossitis affects only the tongue.
- Cheilitis – affects the mucous membrane of the lips.
- Palatinite.
Based on the type of stomatitis, it can be contagious or non-contagious. As a rule, diagnosis is made by characteristic symptoms, palpation lymph nodes and visual examination of the oral cavity.
It is worth noting that there are no special tests or research methods for determining stomatitis yet.
Stomatitis can develop as an independent pathology, but in some cases it is the cause of other chronic diseases and inflammations in the body.
Main reasons
There are quite a few main reasons why stomatitis occurs. Based on provoking factors, the types of pathology change.
There can be several reasons at once, which causes moderate or severe severity. The main ones are:
- Incorrectly selected toothpastes. The composition often contains sodium lauryl sulfate, which can lead to frequent development of stomatitis due to dehydration of the oral mucosa. When the mucous membrane becomes dry, the body is exposed to irritants and stomatitis pathogens.
- Mechanical damage to the mucous membrane. If you bite, burn or cut the tissues of your mouth, then pathogenic bacteria can enter through the wound, and after a couple of days stomatitis begins to appear.
- Stress and emotional tension.
- Unbalanced diet. If the diet is low in vitamins and microelements, that is, high risks the appearance of stomatitis. Most often, the disease is caused by a deficiency folic acid, iron, zinc and B vitamins.
- Allergy. If a person has an individual intolerance to certain foods, medications and other substances, then the cause may cause stomatitis in the mouth. The exact type of allergen can be determined using a medical test.
- Hormonal imbalances. Common reason in women, so stomatitis in the oral cavity can occur during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
- Genetic predisposition. If parents were often exposed to the disease, then after the birth of the child, the likelihood of developing stomatitis increases several times.
- Bacteria. Plaque and wounds on the mucous membrane can appear in the presence of pathogenic bacteria. In some cases, the bacterium itself may not be main reason stomatitis, but significantly aggravates the course of the pathology.
- Diseases. In the presence of chronic diseases, stomatitis in the mouth often develops. If the mucous membrane is frequently affected, it is necessary to undergo comprehensive examination to determine the real cause.
- Side effects after a course of chemotherapy.
- Abuse of cigarettes and alcohol.
- Severe dehydration.
- Poor hand and oral hygiene.
- Prostheses, fillings and other means for restoring dentition are of poor quality or the dentist performing the work is poorly qualified.
- Malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract and heart.
- Weak immune system.
- Oncological diseases.
- Anemia.
- Long-term treatment with medications that irritate the mucous membrane.
Based on the cause, the types of stomatitis can be different, so the treatment regimen is always different. In addition, there are general symptoms of the disease and signs characteristic of a particular type of disease.
Main symptoms
Determine the development of stomatitis on early stages It is not difficult even for a person without medical education.
To do this, you just need to monitor the condition of the oral cavity, and as inflammation develops, redness of the mucous membrane begins.
Behind a short time it swells, pain appears, which is difficult not to notice. At this time, it is time to take measures for treatment, so diagnosis by a doctor cannot be delayed.
If you do not start timely therapy, ulcers will form. different types and colors that are covered with a patina of yellow, white or gray. Ulcers lead to severe pain, people cannot communicate and eat normally. When food comes into contact with wounds, the pain intensifies.
If stomatitis occurs in mild form, then there will be single small wounds on the oral mucosa.
The situation is more complicated with numerous formations in the mouth, which is typical for a severe form of the disease.
The main symptoms include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes due to inflammation.
- Rising temperature.
- General malaise, headaches, decreased taste and loss of appetite.
- Increased salivation.
- Nervousness.
- Attacks of nausea and vomiting after meals are possible.
These are only the main signs of the disease that need to be diagnosed and treated.
For each subtype of stomatitis there are separate symptoms and the nature of the disease.
Types of stomatitis
In medicine, there are several types of stomatitis, which pass and are easily treated, while some are considered severe and can occur long time causing discomfort to the patient.
Catarrhal
This subspecies is often found in medical practice, characterized by swelling of the mucous membrane, pain in the mouth.
With catarrhal stomatitis, the area of the oral cavity becomes covered with a white or yellow coating, and the secretion of saliva increases.
In some cases, a strong odor from the mouth develops, and the gums also bleed. Main reasons:
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Caries, stone on teeth.
- Oral candidiasis.
Catarrhal stomatitis may appear due to intestinal infection with helminths or impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Ulcerative
A complex form of stomatitis, more serious than the catarrhal form. Pathology appears independently or as a result of catarrhal complications.
The risk group includes people who have a stomach ulcer, enteritis in the chronic phase, severe poisoning or heart disease.
The disease is characterized by damage to the entire oral mucosa; patients' temperature rises to 37.5 degrees, body weakness and headaches begin. Lymph nodes enlarge significantly, appetite decreases due to pain.
Aphthous
Aphthous stomatitis is often caused by:
- Gastrointestinal diseases.
- Allergy.
- Infection of the body with viruses.
- Rheumatism.
- Hereditary predisposition.
The development of the disease can be determined by the presence of small ulcers up to 5 mm, which can be plural or single, and they are covered with plaque, which has smooth edges and red borders.
In addition, the person feels a deterioration in their condition, pain in the mouth appears, and the temperature increases.
Aphthous stomatitis occurs in an acute or chronic phase, which may have periods of relapse.
Candida
A fungal type of disease, often develops in small children and elderly patients. Appears due to the activation of Candida fungi, as a result of weak immune system, long-term treatment antibiotic or as a result of other pathologies in a chronic form.
Main symptoms candidal stomatitis:
- Burning in the mouth and larynx.
- Plaque on the mucous membrane.
- Bleeding gums.
- Taste in the mouth, loss of taste.
This type of stomatitis is contagious and can be transmitted through unprotected sex or household items.
Herpes
Stomatitis appears at any age and is caused by the herpes virus type 1. Main signs of the disease:
- The presence of blisters in the oral cavity in a small cluster in a mild form and multiple lesions in a severe form.
- Swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane.
- Heavy secretion of saliva.
- General malaise.
- Rising temperature.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Burning and pain during meals.
When infected with the herpes virus, stomatitis can be treated, but the virus itself remains forever, so there is a risk of relapse.
Treatment
Treatment of stomatitis, based on its type, is carried out with medications or folk remedies. They help remove the main symptoms of the disease, relieve inflammation and accelerate wound healing.
Before using any remedy for stomatitis, you must obtain permission from your doctor to use the specific drug. This eliminates negative consequences.
Basic means for treatment:
- Anesthetics. With stomatitis, wounds in the mouth often hurt and do not allow the patient to eat and talk normally. To relieve pain, anesthetics are used: Benzocaine, Lidocaine, Trimecaine, aloe juice. Similar substances are found in some toothpastes; after using them, the ulcers are covered with a film and the pain disappears. Medicines must be used strictly according to the instructions or recommendation of the doctor, the course of treatment should not exceed 10 days.
- Cleansing medicines. Plaque in the mouth, which closes the wounds, does not allow them to heal quickly, so the tissues need to be constantly cleaned; peroxide gives good results; use it to remove plaque 2-3 times a day.
- Antibacterial agents. Medicines are used to eliminate reinfection bacteria and kill existing ones. It is recommended to use Metrogil-denta and other products. In addition, the medicine reduces pain and accelerates tissue regeneration. Children and adults can use Chlorhexidine as a rinse. Rinse your mouth 3 times a day.
- Antiviral drugs. It is recommended to use medications for aphthous stomatitis. For treatment, Oxolinic ointment, Interferon or Bonafton are prescribed in the form of ointments. They are applied to damaged tissue 2-3 times a day.
- Wound healing agents. Medicines are aimed at accelerating wound healing and are applied directly to the affected tissue, after which a protective film is created that prevents the wounds from becoming irritated. Treatment is carried out using gels and rinses. For quick recovery mucous membranes, you can use sea buckthorn and rosehip oils, Vinilin and Karotolin preparations.
- Herbal remedies. Prescriptions are often used to treat children traditional medicine. To do this, doctors advise preparing infusions based on sage, chamomile or calendula. Liquid is used to rinse and wipe the mouth of small children. They easily eliminate pain, inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration.
During treatment, it is imperative to take measures to strengthen the immune system. Doctors recommend taking Imudon for stomatitis.
To strengthen and stimulate the system, multivitamins are indicated, which include group B and vitamin C.
Prevention
To prevent the development of stomatitis of any kind, it is important to adhere to simple preventive rules:
- Try not to damage the mucous membrane; in case of broken teeth or fillings with sharp edges, it is necessary to correct the problem so as not to cut or irritate the mucous membrane.
- Monitor hand and oral hygiene. Brush your teeth 2 times a day, use mouthwash after meals. Avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, and mouthwashes should not contain alcohol.
- Eliminate allergens from your diet to reduce the risk of stomatitis.
- Use a balanced diet that contains sufficient amounts of vitamins and useful substances. Additionally, you can take multivitamins.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the oral cavity and cause pain. You need to give up solid foods, sour, spicy and salty foods.
- Do not be exposed to stressful situations.
By following simple rules, you will be able to forget about stomatitis. If you suspect the development of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor and not delay diagnosis and treatment of the pathology, especially in children.
Useful video
Stomatitis refers to inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane of the mouth, which are a protective reaction of the human body to various kinds irritants. It was noted that in most cases children suffer from stomatitis, but due to environmental problems and massive deterioration of immunity in people, the disease has become common in the adult population, for whom treatment is associated with certain characteristics.
Causes of stomatitis in adults
The presence of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens of infectious diseases, of course, influences the formation of mouth ulcers, but for their development other accompanying, favorable factors are necessary. This is because pathogenic bacteria are always found on the mucous membrane of the mouth, which is considered normal. Also, the risk of developing the disease increases sharply with an unbalanced or inadequate diet, which is especially important if the body does not receive enough B vitamins and other beneficial microelements.
I would like to note that injuries received by thermal, mechanical or chemical means in the oral cavity also provoke the development of stomatitis. Very often, the development of the disease can be caused by a bite on the cheek while chewing, scratches resulting from the sharp edges of the denture, after injury from eating solid food or after chemical burn acidic or alkaline solutions. However, in most cases minor injuries heal quickly, but with certain accompanying factors, stomatitis may develop.
Also, the development of stomatitis may indicate the presence of various types of pathologies in the human body. Simply put, this dysfunction various human systems that accompany the appearance of stomatitis:
- frequent manifestation of the disease in the adult population may indicate the presence of cancer of the nose or mouth;
- stomatitis can also be a consequence of oncology treatment through chemotherapy;
- gastrointestinal pathologies - various shapes colitis, gastritis, as well as helminthic infestations, contributing to ulcerative formations on the surface of the tongue;
- in case of severe dehydration due to prolonged vomiting, loose stool or with significant blood loss, as well as due to fever;
- in people with HIV infection, the risk of developing stomatitis is also very high;
- hormonal imbalance in women during pregnancy or menopause;
- anemia is also a concomitant factor in the development of the disease.
The main symptoms of stomatitis development
In most cases, regardless of the form of manifestation of stomatitis, the development of the disease has the same symptoms. Only in isolated cases, in adults, the development of stomatitis is acute with high fever. But regardless of this, when the first manifestations of the disease are detected, it is necessary to visit the clinic for an accurate diagnosis. This is due to the fact that in case of untimely or improper treatment stomatitis, the risk of relapse increases in future.
- In most cases, the disease begins to manifest itself with slight redness of the affected area, after which swelling, swelling, a burning sensation and pain appear around the source of inflammation.
- In the case of ordinary bacterial stomatitis At the site of the outbreak of the disease, single ulcerative formations of an oval or round shape are formed. Subsequently, redness appears around the ulcers, and in the center there is a thin film white.
- In addition to ulcerative formations which are very painful, the patient may be bothered by: strong secretion of saliva, unpleasant odor from the mouth and bleeding gums.
- Often painful sensations from stomatitis they have a strong form, which makes it difficult to eat food.
- At acute form stomatitis possible heat and enlarged lymph nodes.
- Most often, ulcers in the oral cavity form on the inside of the lips, cheeks, tonsils, as well as on the surface of the tongue and palate.
Treatment of stomatitis in adults
Treatment of stomatitis in the mouth, caused by poor hygiene, in its mild form, possible on your own at home. In this case, antiseptics are used for rinsing, as well as a balanced diet without eating hard, salty, spicy, cold or hot foods.
But in the case of massive damage to the oral cavity by stomatitis or certain serious forms of it - aphthous, herpetic, ulcerative, you need to consult a doctor. Treatment for this type of illness consists of a set of specific procedures, helping to get rid of discomfort, pain, and also helping to avoid possible relapses in the future.
I would like to clarify right away that there is stomatitis classification, which depends on the causative agents of the disease, as well as the severity of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. Therefore, the main types of stomatitis and methods of its treatment will be discussed further.
Allergic form of stomatitis - how to treat it?
Based on statistical data, today approximately 30% of the population suffers from allergies to irritants that seem harmless - fruits, pollen, animals, medications and much more. Also, in the case of contact of the oral mucosa with low-quality dentures or other allergens, a particularly sensitive category of the population suffers allergic form of stomatitis.
This type of stomatitis is not considered separate form disease, for the simple reason that it is part of the body’s general allergic reaction and therefore all treatment comes down to taking medications with an antihistamine effect: Tavegil, Suprastin, etc., and in some situations they are used as applications.
How is herpetic stomatitis treated?
This form of stomatitis is considered one of the most common among viral manifestations of the disease, of which there are quite a lot. Wherein herpes simplex leads in frequency of formation in the oral cavity. The adult category of the population in most cases is the carrier of the virus, the first manifestation of which occurs in childhood.
I would like to note that in case of decreased immunity of the body, hypothermia, frequent stressful situations, overwork, exacerbation of chronic diseases together with damage to the mucous membrane in the oral cavity, the virus is quickly activated in a recurrent form of herpes stomatitis, which covers the cheeks and tongue.
In case of herpes stomatitis in the adult population acute reaction no body observed. The appearance of bubbles occurs in groups, after which they burst, turning into a rather painful form of erosion. In this case, treatment of the viral form of stomatitis comes down to a certain series of measures.
- Relieving pain with anesthetic drugs.
- Relieving inflammatory processes through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
- The use of drugs with an antihistamine effect, topically or orally.
- Taking antiviral medications in the form of ointments or sprays. The use of which is possible only as prescribed by a doctor.
- Vitamin therapy, the main indication of which is to increase immunity. Treatment is carried out as prescribed by a doctor using immunomodulators.
How is aphthous stomatitis treated?
On this moment The exact causes of aphthous stomatitis have not been established. Due to the fact that the causative agents of the disease are considered adenoviruses and staphylococci, this form of the disease is classified as one of the types of herpes stomatitis.
In the case of a chronic form of the disease, rashes periodically form in the mouth, both in the form of single ulcerative formations and groups of blisters. The main difference between this form of the disease is the formation of round plaques of a whitish-yellow hue. Moreover, due to frequent exacerbations of the disease, it can last for several years.
If within 10-15 days If the healing of peptic ulcers does not occur, stomatitis can develop into an ulcerative-necrotic form, which is considered the most severe. This type of stomatitis may indicate the presence of immunodeficiency in the patient, various leukemias, radiation exposure or a complex form of poisoning with heavy metal salts. In this case, the treatment of aphthous stomatitis is determined by certain measures.
- Treatment of disease foci chamomile infusion and boric acid . Add 4 grams to a chamomile decoction, one glass in volume. boron acid. The resulting composition is used to rinse the mouth.
- A solution of potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide in 1:1 proportions with water. Furacilin diluted in water is also used.
- At local forms treatment, sea buckthorn or peach oil is used.
- In the case of detoxification, sodium thiosulfate is prescribed, which is administered intravenously or for internal use in the form of an aqueous solution.
- Vitamin therapy plays an important role in the treatment of stomatitis, especially vitamins C, B1, B6, as well as folic acids.
- For aphthous stomatitis, drugs with an antihistamine and sedative effect are also prescribed.
- It is imperative to exclude spicy, salty, solid foods, as well as alcohol and tobacco from the diet.
The formation of aphthous stomatitis in adults is caused by various pathologies of human organs and systems - these are endocrine and nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, preventive measures to prevent relapses include the treatment of concomitant pathologies.
Candidiasis form of stomatitis in adults
This form of stomatitis occurs in people with very weakened immune systems– sick diabetes mellitus, HIV-infected people, as well as patients with tuberculosis. Considering that the fungus is always present in the human body, it begins to develop rapidly when concomitant favorable factors arise.
A distinctive feature of candidiasis stomatitis is that at the first stage, a thick coating and white spots form on the mucous membrane of the mouth, and when removed, a swollen lesion appears. At the same time, as the disease develops, painful erosions can form under the dense film. In addition, this form is accompanied by dry mouth, cracks in its corners, burning and pain during eating. In this case, treatment of the candidiasis form of the disease is accompanied by a set of specific activities.
- As prescribed by the doctor, antifungal drugs are used topically or orally.
- Treatment of affected surfaces with gel, ointment or other solutions with an antifungal effect.
- If the patient has dentures, they are treated together with the oral cavity soda solution or Lugol.
- A diet that excludes foods containing easily digestible carbohydrates.
It is important to remember that the cause of such disturbances in the oral microflora must be determined together with the relevant doctors– gastroenterologist and endocrinologist. And under no circumstances should you resort to self-medication.
Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa. Dentists indicate that the disease can have both acute and chronic course. Only a small percentage of people on our entire planet are lucky enough to never experience signs of the disease. The majority have encountered manifestations more than once. So why does chronic stomatitis occur and what to do to prevent relapses? You will find out the answers by reading our article.
If signs of stomatitis appear for the first time, it is necessary to make every effort to stop the inflammatory process in time, preventing the transition to chronic form. When painful mouth ulcers occur, many people begin treatment using traditional medicine recipes. And they turn to the doctor already in advanced forms, when chronic stomatitis appears up to 4 times a year. At the same time, the duration of the remission period is reduced, and the number of elements of the lesion increases, which undoubtedly leads to a significant deterioration in the general condition of the patients.
The appearance of signs of stomatitis primarily indicates a reduced immune status of the body. With each new relapse, the body's resistance drops even more. Along with untimely contact with the dentist, the following factors contribute to the chronicity of stomatitis:
- frequent viral and bacterial infections;
- hypovitaminosis, vitamin deficiency;
- anemia;
- hormonal imbalance;
- stress, psycho-emotional tension;
- excessive physical activity;
- irregular work schedule, lack of proper rest;
- metabolic failure;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system;
- irrational use of antibiotics;
- dysbiosis.
Local conditions also play an important role in the occurrence of frequent stomatitis. Dentists believe that meticulous adherence to basic hygiene rules, as well as preventive examination once every six months will help to promptly eliminate carious processes on initial stages. After all, although the causative agents of aphthous, herpetic, and candidal stomatitis are not bacteria, the growth of populations of opportunistic microorganisms disrupts the production of local protective factors, and this, in turn, significantly reduces local immunity.
Clinical picture of types of stomatitis
If manifestations of stomatitis in adults occur for the first time, they speak of an acute form of the inflammatory process. When the same morphological elements of the lesion are repeatedly detected on the mucous membrane, a chronic course is established. Let's take a closer look at what chronic forms of aphthous, herpetic and candidal stomatitis look like.
Aphthous stomatitis
The etiology of chronic aphthous stomatitis is not fully understood. Therefore, it is still impossible to say unequivocally what exactly provokes the occurrence of aphthae on the mucous membrane. But, based on the results of numerous studies, experts came to the conclusion that a significant link initiating development pathological process, is an allergic reaction. And what’s interesting: not only food or medicines can be allergens, but also streptococci and staphylococci. A large number of decayed teeth, poor oral hygiene - all this increases the content of bacteria, and along with this the risk of signs of frequent stomatitis increases.
A significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease is also played by disruption of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, with chronic enterocolitis, chronic aphthous stomatitis, which is a kind of indicator signaling a failure at the appropriate level of the digestive system.
Dentists consider aphthae to be the main element of the lesion. let's consider distinctive features chronic aphthous stomatitis.
- In the oral cavity, round-shaped wounds appear on the mucous membrane of the lips and the lateral surfaces of the tongue. If in a mild form single lesions are formed, then in the case of a severe course there are multiple ones.
- Aphthae are painful, covered with white layers on top.
- The general condition depends on the form of the inflammatory process. Fibrinous stomatitis occurs without any visible deterioration in the general condition, while with necrotic and scarring stomatitis, signs of intoxication, fever, and lymphadenitis may appear.
Herpetic stomatitis
If manifestations herpetic infection occurred for the first time, the probability of relapse is over 90%. Doctors call predisposing conditions not only infectious diseases and immunodeficiency states. Banal hypothermia or, conversely, prolonged exposure to the sun significantly reduces the body’s protective properties. Therefore, signs of stomatitis occur not only in the autumn-spring period, but also in the hot summer.
Chronic stomatitis caused by a virus herpes simplex, goes through the following stages.
- The day before the rash, a burning sensation appears on the mucous membrane in those areas where the first signs of damage will soon appear.
- First, bubbles form, the most favorite localization of which is the cheeks, lips, and tongue.
- The bubbles burst very quickly, which is explained fine structure their shells.
- When the wounds become crusty, the feeling of pain goes away.
In severe cases, new rashes may appear in the mouth. Accordingly, during examination, doctors simultaneously identify blisters, ulcers and crusts. If chronic stomatitis occurs with frequent relapses, general state patients deteriorate significantly. Patients complain about headache, body aches, fever, lethargy and drowsiness.
Candidiasis form of stomatitis
The causes of chronic stomatitis in this particular case are yeast fungi of the genus Candida. Frequent consumption of refined carbohydrates, hormonal imbalance, irrational use of antibiotics - the presence of all these factors creates favorable conditions for yeast fungi to manifest their pathogenic properties. In total, there are two forms of chronic candidiasis inflammatory process: atrophic and hyperplastic.
- At atrophic form the mucous membrane is bright red. Patients are worried severe itching, burning. There are practically no characteristic curdled layers; a slight coating is present only in areas of natural folds.
- Hyperplastic stomatitis appears in the form of a thick layer of layers tightly adjacent to the surface of the mucosa. If at acute course the plaque can be easily removed, but in the case of a chronic form, an attempt to remove the layers ends in exposing a bleeding wound. Saliva is viscous, secreted in reduced quantities, eating is accompanied by discomfort and pain.
How to treat chronic stomatitis?
To reduce the risk of relapse to zero, along with drug therapy, removal of hard and soft dental plaque, treatment of caries and its complications are indicated. In the presence of low-quality prostheses, re-prosthetics is recommended. After all, even the most highly effective drugs will not bring the desired result if local provoking factors are not completely eliminated.
Let's look at how to treat chronic stomatitis locally.
- Antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity reduces the risk of attachment bacterial infection. Dentists recommend using products such as Chlorhexidine and Corsodil.
- Pain relief is carried out by applying a gel containing lidocaine or anesthesin.
- Cleansing not only the surface of the aphthae, but also the lesion of herpes from fibrinous plaque is achieved through the use of enzymes (Terrilitin, Lidaza).
- To speed up recovery processes, doctors prescribe Solcoseryl ointment or jelly.
It is important to note: not only general, but also local therapy can only be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
When stomatitis is detected, treatment directly depends on the type of pathogen. General therapy includes the following.
- Application antihistamines for aphthous form (Claritin, Suprastin).
- The use of antiviral drugs based on Acyclovir in the form of tablets or ointments (Zovirax, Gerpevir), if stomatitis appears of a viral nature.
- Prescription of antifungal agents for candidiasis (Clotrimazole, Nystatin, Fluconazole).
- Immunomodulatory drugs are aimed at increasing immune status body. That is why they are very often prescribed for chronic stomatitis. Medicines such as Leukinferon, Imudon, Viferon have good effectiveness.
- In order to improve metabolic processes Doctors recommend using multivitamin complexes.
If stomatitis constantly recurs, a comprehensive examination is indicated for the presence of hidden foci of chronic infection. Doctors also recommend taking an immunogram to determine the level of indicators protective function body. If the content of specific factors is below normal, immunocorrection is performed. Only professional diagnosis and qualified treatment under the guidance of specialists will help avoid the appearance of symptoms of stomatitis in the future.
Every fifth person living in Russia knows firsthand what a disease called stomatitis is. Stomatitis includes a number of ailments of the superficial layers of the mucous tissues of the mouth, having a diverse origin, morphology and manifestation. Perhaps many have encountered jams in the corners of the mouth - this phenomenon also refers to the manifestations of stomatitis, which is the most harmless form of the disease.
Stomatitis. What is this?
It can be considered as a separate ailment, or as a complicated form or manifestation of another disease, for example, influenza, measles, etc. Children are most susceptible to the disease. Diseases of the oral mucosa are very common ailments. However, in each individual case, an accurate diagnosis is very difficult.
It depends what various diseases, associated not only with the mouth area, but also with the body as a whole, may have similar manifestations.
For your information! Diseases affecting the mucous surfaces of the oral cavity are united under a single name - stomatitis. If the mucous membranes of the entire oral area are affected, but only an isolated part of it - the lips, palatal area or tongue area, then we are talking about cheilitis, palatinitis and glossitis, respectively.
Causes of stomatitis formation
The mechanism of formation of the disease has not yet been fully determined, because of this, anything can act as a trigger for damage. A wide variety of factors can cause the formation of stomatitis.
- Factors affecting the surface of mucous membranes (local action).
- Diseases of the body - ailments related to the gastrointestinal tract, heart disease, general decline in defenses, allergies, vitamin deficiencies, anemia, hormonal imbalances, malignant tumors, nervous disorders, metabolic disorders, heredity and much more.
Factors related to local impact, represent:
- injuries;
- basic disregard for hygiene procedures;
- chemical, thermal, radiation exposure, forming reddened areas;
- erosion;
- ulcers;
- imbalance of bacterial flora of the oral cavity;
- poor quality prosthetics;
- consequences of taking certain medications;
- consequences of drinking alcohol;
- allergies to certain foods;
- consequences of using dental care products containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
Separately, it is worth considering stomatitis that occurs due to problems associated with teeth. This form of stomatitis can occur due to:
- non-compliance with oral hygiene by a person;
- numerous dental deposits;
- tooth decay;
- Dysbacteriosis of the oral cavity;
In addition, the formation of stomatitis is possible if dental rules are not followed in treatment. Lesions may occur due to:
- microtraumas;
- the use of inappropriate metals for therapeutic procedures and prosthetics;
- use of chemical agents.
Video: Causes of stomatitis in adults
Signs of stomatitis
According to characteristics, stomatitis is divided into:
- catarrhal form;
- ulcerative;
- aphthous;
- candidiasis;
- herpetic.
Features of catarrhal stomatitis
Cases of catarrhal stomatitis are more common than usual. The surface of the mucous membranes becomes swollen, painful, hyperemic, and may become covered with a whitish or yellow coating. Hypersalivation is possible, which is expressed in increased salivation, bleeding from the gums and bad smell from the oral cavity.
Features of ulcerative stomatitis
This type of stomatitis refers to a more severe form of the disease than, for example, the catarrhal variety. However, it can act as its advanced form, or it can develop independently.
With ulcerative stomatitis, the affected areas of tissue can go deep into the mucous tissues, while with catarrhal disease, only the upper layers of the mucous tissues are affected. The first signs of these two types of stomatitis are similar, but later ulcerative stomatitis is affected by fever, loss of strength, malaise, pain in the head, changes in size and pain in the lymph nodes. Meals are accompanied by discomfort and pain. Identification of similar symptoms requires contacting a doctor.
Features of aphthous stomatitis
When single or multiple aphthous ulcers appear on the surface of the mucous tissues. In addition, ulcers can have big size and lie at different depths. These ulcers, otherwise called aphthae, resemble an oval or circle in shape, have clearly defined boundaries, looking like a narrow reddish border and a gray-yellowish coating in the center.
The onset of the disease is characterized by general weakness, fever, and pain in the mouth in the areas of aphthae formation. Such formations are usually quite difficult to treat, and they heal leaving marks. The course of treatment for aphthous stomatitis must be prescribed by a doctor and it must be carried out under his supervision.
With a decrease in immunity, infectious stomatitis may appear, resulting from the activity of numerous microbial strains that live in the mouth and are in an inactivated state until the immunity is weakened. If a person has once had any form of stomatitis, the likelihood that the disease will recur is quite high, although the frequency of these repetitions may vary. If the disease returns 3-4 times during the year, this is the typical frequency of occurrence of the disease. Some people suffer from a chronic form of stomatitis - old ulcers do not have time to disappear before new ones form.
For your information! Typically, the average person experiences stomatitis for the first time between the ages of 10 and 20 years. In the future, with age, the disease occurs less frequently and is less painful. About 20% of the country's population suffers from this disease.
For your information! Stomatitis is not contagious and there is no evidence to refute this fact.
Video: Aphthous stomatitis. Mouth ulcers
Features of candidal stomatitis
This type of stomatitis is a fungal disease and is usually diagnosed in children and the elderly. This type of stomatitis is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida, and the development of the disease usually occurs when the body’s defenses decline, in the presence of other chronic ailments, or as a result of prolonged use of a strong antiseptic drug.
Symptoms of fungal stomatitis are manifested:
- burning in the oropharyngeal area;
- whitish coating in the tongue area and on top of mucous tissues;
- bleeding of mucous tissues;
- bad taste in the mouth or loss of taste.
Candidal stomatitis - features
Attention! This type of disease is contagious. There are both household and sexual transmission methods.
Features of herpetic stomatitis
Herpes stomatitis is diagnosed in both adults and children. The disease is caused by a herpes virus and can have both acute and chronic forms. Light form The disease can be expressed in several bubbly swellings, reminiscent of ulcers of the aphthous form of stomatitis.
A severe type of herpetic stomatitis is expressed in:
- profuse rashes on the mucous tissues of the oral cavity;
- swelling and inflammatory processes in mucous tissues;
- hypersalivation (increased salivation);
- general deteriorating health;
- signs of toxicosis;
- elevated temperature;
- changes in the size of lymph nodes;
- pain syndrome during eating.
Herpetic stomatitis is characterized by painful rashes not only on the oral mucosa
For your information! The peculiarity of herpes stomatitis, like any other herpetic ailment, is that the pathogen does not disappear from the body.
Prevention of stomatitis
Trauma to the tissues of the oral cavity leads to the formation of stomatitis, so it is necessary to avoid damage to the mucous tissues. To prevent stomatitis:
- get rid of chipped teeth, chafing or broken fillings, teeth with cutting edges, and solve other dental problems in the dentist’s office;
- adjust dentures that have rough edges;
- cover bulging areas of braces by special means wax based;
- maintain hygiene, twice a day, but being careful and avoiding sudden movements. This rule is especially important for teenagers and women bearing children.
How can a doctor help?
The effectiveness of stomatitis treatment depends on correct installation the reasons for its appearance, which can only be done by the attending physician. The dentist must:
- thoroughly diagnose the oropharyngeal cavity and all dental surfaces;
- diagnose teeth that require fillings or treatment of affected surfaces;
- adjust dentures.
Important! Treatment of aphthous stomatitis is carried out under medical guidance.
In some cases, stomatitis cannot be treated even after taking all necessary measures and following the instructions of the attending physician. Then it is necessary to identify other causes of the disease, which may lie in common diseases body and which, in turn, can only be identified by a doctor.
It is important to visit the dentist regularly and take measures to prevent the disease if you are prone to it. If an illness occurs, you must follow all the dentist’s recommendations.
It is not recommended to eat spicy, salty or sour foods during treatment of the disease. Food must be prepared neutral, which will not cause additional irritation of the mucous tissues of the oral cavity. Additionally, it should contain a variety of vitamins that can speed up the treatment process.
Important! If signs of stomatitis are found in a child, immediately consult your doctor.
Table. Treatment regimen for some types of stomatitis.
| Type of stomatitis | Basic treatment methods |
|---|---|
| Treatment is carried out using antiviral ointments, For example oxolinic ointment, Zovirax, acyclovir, etc., as well as agents that promote healing of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity ( sea buckthorn oil, rosehip oil, etc.). |
| Rinsing the mouth with soda solution is recommended. It is also recommended to use pimafucin, antifungal ointments (nystatin ointment, clotrimazole, etc.) and the drug Imudon, which increases immune activity. Treatment of children must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. |
| Typically, this form of the disease is treated with corticosteroids, rinsing the mouth with Dexamethasone, and treating the affected areas with Clobetasol (ointment). |
| This form of stomatitis is treated antibacterial agents: Orasept, Hexoral, sage and other antiseptic medications. |
Read our article.
If you notice slight redness of the oral mucosa that swells and causes a burning sensation, you may have stomatitis. Inflammatory process The oral mucosa is a protective reaction of the human immune system to the action of irritants. Stomatitis mainly occurs in children, but adults are increasingly affected by this disease. This is due to environmental problems, general decline immunity in people.
Causes of stomatitis
Stomatitis causes a lot of inconvenience. Firstly, it brings a lot of unpleasant and even painful sensations. After all, over time, slight redness of the oral mucosa turns into small oval or round ulcers. These ulcers have a whitish, grayish tint, the skin around them has a reddish tint, and the ulcers themselves are covered with a film. In some cases, the whitish blisters burst, turning into large erosions. Such inflammations in the oral cavity often interfere with speaking, eating, and moving the tongue normally. Therefore, many are interested in the question of how to treat stomatitis, which so greatly interferes with the quality of life. There can be many reasons for the occurrence of stomatitis in the mouth, as well as the types of oral diseases themselves.
Sometimes the cause of stomatitis can be bacteria and viruses. But for their reproduction, additional provoking factors are necessary, so the occurrence of stomatitis solely due to the entry of bacteria into the oral mucosa is quite rare.
And here unbalanced diet quite often can be the cause of stomatitis. If the human body does not get enough folic acid, B vitamins, iron and zinc, the risk of stomatitis increases.
Often stomatitis occurs due to mechanical, thermal or chemical trauma to the oral cavity. Sometimes it is enough to bite your cheek or scratch the delicate skin of the mouth with something sharp (the edge of a crown, a piece of nut, dried fish, a fragment of a tooth, etc.) for stomatitis to appear. But do not be alarmed; damage to the oral mucosa by the above methods does not in itself mean one hundred percent stomatitis. However, if after such an injury to the mucous membrane the wound does not heal for a long time, this is a reason to consult a specialist.
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To reduce the risk of stomatitis, you need to adhere to a number of simple rules. You cannot violate the rules of personal hygiene, eat dirty fruits and vegetables, or eat food with unwashed hands. You should not engage in excessive oral hygiene, otherwise the mucous membrane becomes very vulnerable to the penetration of bacteria, acids and various irritants. Smoking and frequent drinking of alcohol also contribute to the development of oral stomatitis.
Inflammation of the oral mucosa is often associated with a number of diseases. Sometimes stomatitis is characteristic symptom serious illnesses, up to HIV. Therefore, in case of repeated relapses of stomatitis, it is imperative to consult a specialist to determine the causes of inflammation in the oral cavity.
Types of stomatitis
Stomatitis is divided into:
- Bacterial. It is caused by streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria. This type of disease is manifested by the appearance of pustular ulcers, which turn into erosion.
- Viral or herpetic stomatitis. It is characterized by vesicular rashes with transparent contents, which subsequently also turn into erosion.
- Fungal. Occurs when immunity decreases after long treatment antibiotics. Appears as a white coating on the tongue and in the mouth, bad taste in the mouth, a burning sensation. This type of stomatitis is contagious and can be transmitted through household or sexual contact.
- Chemical. Appears due to burns with alkali or acid. It is characterized by the appearance of ulcers, which, when scarred, change the oral mucosa.
Symptoms of stomatitis
More often in adults, stomatitis does not occur in an acute form, without symptoms of intoxication of the body. First, a slight redness appears on the oral mucosa. Then the area around it swells, swells, and a burning sensation appears. Next, an ulcer appears at the site of inflammation, covered with a thin white film.
This ulcer causes pain, which causes severe discomfort. Salivation increases and bad breath appears. Stomatitis mainly appears on the lips (inner side), cheeks, palate, and sometimes on the tongue.
How to treat stomatitis in the mouth
How to treat stomatitis in the mouth is a common question asked by patients who do not intend to visit a specialist. We remind you that if stomatitis occurs regularly, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed; it is necessary to establish the causes of inflammation of the oral cavity. Only with mild stomatitis can you try to cure it yourself.
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In many ways, the treatment of stomatitis in the mouth depends on the nature and causes of the disease. In the event of a single occurrence of stomatitis, it is necessary to rinse your mouth antiseptics, sometimes use painkillers. In addition, you need to exclude spicy, hard, and too salty foods.
Treatment of regularly occurring stomatitis should be carried out under the guidance of a specialist and include a whole range of measures. Otherwise, stomatitis may chronic disease. Drug treatment most often it is necessary to treat stomatitis, but do not forget about.
Drugs for the treatment of oral stomatitis
Painkillers
If stomatitis causes severe pain, topical painkillers are prescribed. This can be Anestezin (from tablets they make powder for powders), Hexoral tabs (dissolved), Ledocaine Asept (used topically for erosive inflammations), Lidochlor.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
It is necessary to use antiseptic mouth rinses, ointments, sprays, lozenges, and antimicrobial lozenges.
Sprays: Ingalipt, Hexoral, Lugol, Vinilin. Drugs with both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Cholisal, Kamistad, Stomatidin.
Antifungal drugs
For some types of oral stomatitis, antiviral and antifungal antihistamines are used.
Antifungal (if fungal stomatitis): nystatin ointment, Levorin, Mycozon.
Antiviral (for viral inflammation): Acyclovir, Zovirax, Viru-Merz Serol, interferon, oxolinic ointments.
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Antihistamines (for allergic and other stomatitis): Tavegil, Fenistil, Loratodine.
To speed up the healing of the mucous membrane
Solcoseryl is a drug that improves tissue regeneration in case of stomatitis, Karotolin is an antioxidant agent, Vinilin cleanses wounds, accelerates the healing of damage to the mucous membrane, and has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Propolis spray is also used, which has a positive effect on skin damage, herpes, and the appearance of ulcers.
