What is stomatitis and how is it treated

What is stomatitis

This is the general name for the superficial inflammatory ulcers that appear in the Canker sore / Mayo Clinic in the soft tissues of the mouth and at the base of the gums. Usually these are wounds of different sizes and shapes, which cause discomfort and can interfere with eating, drinking, talking, and even sleeping if the pain is severe. Fortunately, they are not contagious.

Why does stomatitis appear

The exact reason is not always definable. Doctors suggest that it may be Mouth sores / U. S. National Library of Medicine:

Infections. Viruses, bacteria, fungi enter the oral mucosa and cause inflammation. For example, Coxsackie virus and herpes Herpetic stomatitis / U. S. National Library of Medicine. And even Helicobacter pylori sometimes leads Canker sore / Mayo Clinic to stomatitis.
Injuries. The mucous membrane of the mouth can be damaged by sharp edges of teeth, braces, food that is too hot, and it can also be injured during dental procedures or simply by accidentally biting on the cheek.
Food intolerance. This is an individual reaction. Most often it occurs at the Canker sore / Mayo Clinic for chocolate, strawberries, eggs, coffee, nuts or cheese. And in some people, stomatitis occurs from any acidic or spicy food.
Toothpastes and rinses. If they contain sodium lauryl sulfate, then the mucous membrane of the mouth becomes dry and ulcers may appear on it.
Poor nutrition. When folate, zinc, iron, or vitamin B12 are not enough in the diet, the risk of ulcers is increased.
Emotional stress or hormonal changes. They can cause stomatitis or cause Mouth sores / U. S. National Library of Medicine to exacerbate herpes.
Medicines. Sores in the mouth sometimes appear. Mouth sores / U. S. National Library of Medicine due to reactions to antibiotics, chemotherapy, hormonal and pain relievers.
Immunity disorders. The mucous membrane suffers from diseases that cause the body to attack its own cells. For example, with lupus, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Decreased immunity in HIV can also lead to stomatitis.
Other diseases. For example, oral cancer or bleeding disorders.

How is stomatitis treated?

Usually you do not need to do anything, all symptoms disappear by Mouth sores / U. S. National Library of Medicine on their own in 7-14 days. However, it happens that they last up to six weeks and cause a lot of problems. To help relieve the condition, doctors may recommend the following:

avoid salty, spicy and sour foods;
refrain from hot drinks and food;
rinse your mouth with salted water;
eat popsicles;
take over-the-counter pain relievers;
apply a paste of baking soda mixed in equal parts with water to the ulcers;
for herpes, use antiviral ointments;
use anesthetic gels (but remember that they are dangerous FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA recommends not using lidocaine to treat teething pain and requires new Boxed Warning / FDA for babies).

When to go to the doctor

No additional help is required for common stomatitis Canker Sores / U. S. National Library of Medicine. You need to see a doctor at Canker sore / Mayo Clinic in the following cases:

the ulcers are unusually large;
stomatitis often worsens, or new rashes appear even before others have healed;
persistent ulcers, last a week or more;
the wounds reach the very border of the lips;
simple remedies do not relieve pain;
discomfort interferes with eating and drinking;
body temperature rises.

How to prevent stomatitis

Mayo Clinic advises Canker sore / Mayo Clinic:

Carefully monitor the diet. Foods that can cause stomatitis should be avoided. These are spicy and sour dishes, as well as chocolate, strawberries, eggs, coffee, nuts and cheese.
Choose healthy foods. It is important to get enough vitamins and minerals.
Observe oral hygiene. You need to regularly brush your teeth, use dental floss, but do not use hygiene products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
Avoid injury. If the edges of your teeth, braces, or other devices scratch your cheeks, you should consult your dentist.
Control stress. To deal with anxiety, you can practice meditation and other relaxation techniques.

This article was published on November 27, 2017. In September 2021, we updated the text.