Causes of frequent stomatitis in adults. Stomatitis - causes in adults Causes of stomatitis in the mouth

Stomatitis is a disease of the oral cavity, inflammation of the mucous membrane on the inner surface of the cheeks, gums, and tongue. The disease is accompanied by the formation of wounds and ulcers. The disease is infectious, so the symptoms of inflammation do not go away on their own. Treatment is needed.

It may be an advanced form of catarrhal disease or an independent disease. That is, the symptoms of the disease can immediately appear in the form of ulcers, without a solid white coating. If at catarrhal form Only the upper layer of the mucous membrane is affected, but in the ulcerative form the mucous membrane becomes inflamed to its full depth. The temperature often rises and the lymph nodes become enlarged. The cause of ulcerative stomatitis may be peptic ulcer stomach, various poisonings (food, household).

Is a manifestation viral infection, allergic reaction. This is the most complex manifestation of the disease. Aphthous stomatitis in adults is provoked by internal diseases of the body and often becomes chronic. Symptoms of aphthous inflammation of the mucous membrane: large ulcers up to 5 mm in size, covered with a gray or white coating. Photos of aphthous and ulcerative diseases oral cavity allows you to visually distinguish two types of infection.

These two photos are aphthous types of the disease.

One of the forms of aphthous is herpes stomatitis. The ulcers take on the appearance of bubbles (as seen in the photo). The appearance of bubbles on the palate and tongue occurs in a group, later they merge and form a painful erosive area.

And this is herpes stomatitis.

How to treat stomatitis in adults?

To treat stomatitis, the following drugs are needed:

for disinfection of the oral cavity (to eliminate pathogens);
for healing existing wounds;
to restore normal acidity and microflora of the mucous membrane.

Rinsing is a common type of treatment for catarrhal disease of the oral cavity. Catarrhal stomatitis in adults is easily treated by increasing the level of hygiene and irrigation with disinfecting solutions. To do this, use potassium permanganate, herbal infusions of antiseptic action (calendula, chamomile, sage), as well as antiseptic sprays with an anesthetic (pain-relieving) effect.

Soda is used as a rinse (a solution of 1 tablespoon of soda in 100 ml) or as a lubricant (a more concentrated solution, 1 spoon per 50 ml). Pharmaceutical preparations for rinsing include hydrogen peroxide (a solution of 1 tablespoon of peroxide per 100 ml of water), as well as chlorhexidine, furatsilin, miramistin, iodinol.

To boost immunity, drink rosehip infusion, which provides the body with essential vitamins.

For ulcerative stomatitis, wound treatment is supplemented with local lubrication. For this purpose, ready-made pharmaceutical drugs(ordinary green, blue or blue iodine, Lugol, stomatidine, kamistad, cholisal). They are applied to the surface of the ulcers with a finger or swab up to 5 times a day. Folk remedies for treating oral infections use a solution of alcoholic propolis for rinsing (1:10 water) and for lubricating (1 part propolis: 5 parts water).

To accelerate the healing of the epithelium, wound healing agents are used (sea buckthorn oil, oil solution of vitamin A - carotoline).

The most difficult to treat with folk remedies is candidiasis and herpes stomatitis. To eliminate viral (herpes virus) and bacterial infection(candida fungus) use antiviral and antifungal ointments(interferon, oxolinic or nystatin ointment).

Allergic stomatitis is treated with the use of antihistamines (laratadine, suprastin) and removal of the source of the allergy.

Also, when treating stomatitis, drinking plenty of fluids is recommended (to remove toxins and reduce intoxication of the oral mucosa). Drinking plenty of fluids creates conditions for normal saliva production. The disinfecting properties of salivary secretion will additionally counteract the spread of infection.

Prevention of stomatitis

Stomatitis in adults is considered a recurrent disease, that is, it is prone to return and relapse. In order to prevent a recurrence of the disease, it is necessary to adhere to the rules of prevention:

wash your hands before eating;
remove tartar and plaque in a timely manner;
treat caries promptly;
treat the gastrointestinal tract in a timely manner;
provide for yourself and your loved ones healthy eating, with a balanced combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, microelements;
choose correctly toothpaste and mouth rinse.

Stomatitis is not a terrible, but very unpleasant disease of the oral cavity. Its occurrence can be effectively prevented. A timely treatment helps to quickly relieve yourself of painful symptoms.

The most common and predictable cause of stomatitis is poor oral hygiene. If a person does not pay enough attention to his health, does not strive to keep his teeth and oral cavity in good condition, neglects basic hygiene rules and does not regularly visit the dentist, the likelihood of developing one or another problem associated with teeth, gums and soft tissues he is simply guaranteed.

There is a type of people who naturally have healthy and strong teeth. Since childhood, these lucky ones have not experienced problems and have not known pain. Over time, they gain the confidence that they don’t have to take care of their teeth, since they are still so healthy. And at this moment the person admits fatal mistake, the result of which can appear quickly or after some period of time.

Often the causes of stomatitis in adults and children come down to poor hygiene and lack of adequate oral care. The only advice that can be given to such people is - do not rely on nature; sooner or later the body may not have enough of its own strength to protect itself from infections.

Infections

One of the most common causes of stomatitis is infection. Moreover, this group can include bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Herpes virus, staphylococcus, streptococcus, fungi type Candida are the most common causes of stomatitis in adults. Getting into microcracks in the oral mucosa, these infections cause an immune reaction in the form of redness, swelling, rashes, erosions and increased pain.

There are only two ways of getting onto the damaged mucous membrane: from the outside, i.e. having become infected from someone, or from within the body in the presence of acute or chronic diseases caused by these pathogens. Against the background of reduced immunity, infections actively multiply in the oral cavity, sometimes even becoming the causes of frequent stomatitis.

To prevent this disease from becoming chronic, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor at the first hint of changes in the usual state of the mucous membrane. Timely tests, identification of the source of infection and treatment will save you from many unpleasant and painful sensations.

Chronic diseases

In the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, infectious causes are not needed for stomatitis; it appears as a complication of the underlying disease. These include the most common gastritis, as well as various colitis, dysbiosis, duodenitis, ulcers and even chronic helminthic infestations, the presence of which a person may not even realize.

With the problems described above, stomatitis does not manifest itself as an isolated disease, but as a clear symptom of some systemic pathology. So it’s symptomatic local treatment may not give any results until the main source of damage to the internal organs is eliminated.

Mechanical damage

The appearance of stomatitis may also have mechanical causes. First of all, this applies to various types of injuries and systemic mechanical damage mucous membrane. Sources of damage can be incorrectly manufactured dentures that constantly rub the gums. Stomatitis can also occur from braces in areas of contact with soft tissue if the metal is not well processed. Even toothpaste based on coarse abrasives or sodium lauryl sulfate can cause local irritation and microscopic wounds.

If teeth are damaged, for example, due to a chip or fracture, the gums may also be damaged. In this case, anything can get into the wound, so stomatitis can even start from dirt. The same situation happens with elementary biting of the soft tissues of the cheek or lip, with thermal or chemical burns gums and palate. The slightest wound on the mucous membrane can ultimately lead to infection.

Parents of babies aged six months and older should be extremely attentive to what the child puts in his mouth. When teething, the wounds that form are open gates for various infections to enter the body. So if a child is left to his own devices, crawls around the apartment and, as often happens, even puts street shoes and cat litter into his mouth, parents should not be surprised why the child develops stomatitis.

Allergic reactions

Since now few people do without using medicines, allergic or drug-induced stomatitis have gained great “popularity”. Sometimes you even have to risk your health and take potent drugs (aimed at treating serious diseases) with large amounts of side effects, which causes stomatitis, dysbacteriosis, liver damage and other unpleasant reactions of the body.

The main sources of allergic reactions are antibacterial drugs penicillin group, medicines based on bromine and iodine, sulfonamides, salts of heavy metals and even some vitamin and mineral complexes. Moreover, sometimes an allergic reaction does not occur immediately: first the temperature may rise, hives, redness or other symptoms may appear. external signs. And only then, after a few days, stomatitis develops, which is why doctors cannot even always accurately recognize the cause of its formation. This is why it is so important to mention any medications you have recently taken when you see a specialist.

Stress

Another reason stomatitis occurs in adults, especially hard-working people, is stress. Alas, no one is immune from this these days. For most people, unbearable mental stress begins in school and continues for the rest of their lives. This is why many doctors say that all diseases are caused by stress and nerves. And this reason automatically leads us to the next one, as an inevitable consequence.

Bad habits

Bad habits most often arise precisely against the background of a nervous situation and the need to unwind, relax, and withdraw into oneself. Some people use meditation, which is beneficial for health, for these purposes, but most people do not disdain, for example, smoking. We will not talk about the general harm caused to the body by this terrible process, since this article is devoted to stomatitis. But we can explain where stomatitis comes from in a heavy smoker.

With constant inhalation of hot smoke, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is subject to overheating and drying out. In addition, resins and chemical additives deposited on the teeth methodically destroy the enamel, forming tartar. Its direct effect on the gums or its dental removal in the clinic can also be traumatic, which ultimately leads to inflammation.

However, bad habits are not limited to smoking. So stomatitis can also develop in those people who cannot give up seeds (especially their uncontrolled consumption), nuts in large quantities, as well as from the light narcotic substance, nasvay, which has become very popular among schoolchildren and visiting workers. The use of the latter leads not only to the occurrence of contact stomatitis, but also to a gradual disruption of the functions of internal organs and the nervous system.

In addition to the above reasons, various factors can provoke the occurrence of the disease, be it poor heredity or the ecology of the area of residence, hormonal or age-related changes human physiology, as well as poor nutrition, deprived of vitamins, minerals and useful substances. We will not describe each cause in detail, since any patient’s anamnesis always has a number of reasons that result in stomatitis. In any case, only a professional can understand everything and prescribe proper treatment for you.

How to treat stomatitis in adults: effective drugs and medications

Stomatitis is a disease of the oral cavity, which is an inflammatory process that is localized on the tongue, gums, and inner surface of the cheeks. The manifestation of stomatitis is small wounds-ulcers. The disease is infectious in nature and requires treatment.

Treatment of stomatitis in adults lasts 4-14 days, depending on the type and extent of the disease. The healing of ulcers usually proceeds calmly, and practically no traces remain at the site of the wounds. People who have had stomatitis at least once in their lives are at risk of re-infection. The frequency of occurrence of the disease is very variable.

Some patients suffer from this disease 3-4 times a year (a typical case); in others, after ulcers that have not yet completely healed, new ones immediately appear, which makes it possible to position stomatitis as a chronic disease.

What it is?

Stomatitis in adults can be cured quickly at home; for this you need to use effective medications. Which ones exactly? Read the article in the “treatment” section.

The mechanism of development of stomatitis and causes of occurrence

The mechanism of stomatitis has not yet been fully identified, but most likely it is associated with a reaction immune system to irritants. It is believed that stomatitis occurs in cases where, for reasons that are not yet clear, the human immune system reacts to the appearance of molecules that it cannot recognize.

The appearance of such molecules provokes an attack by the lymphocytes of the immune system (a type of white blood cell), in much the same way that the human immune system reacts, for example, to an organ transplant. The “attack” of lymphocytes on these unidentified molecules leads to the appearance of ulcerative formations in the mouth, which are called “stomatitis”.

The cause of its occurrence is also considered to be local factors: poor oral hygiene. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, such as, and also, can cause catarrhal stomatitis. With this disease, the oral mucosa becomes swollen, painful, hyperemic, and may be covered with a white or yellow coating. Hypersalivation (increased salivation) is noted. Bleeding gums may occur and bad smell from mouth.

Stomatitis itself is not contagious. With herpes, stomatitis can occur as a consequence, but this is already one of the options for a person’s reaction to the herpes simplex virus.

Classification

Mouth ulcers, causes and treatment are determined primarily depending on the causative agent of the disease. There is a certain classification of the disease depending on what pathogen caused the white spots to appear. What stomatitis looks like in the mouth also depends to some extent on the pathogen.

Type of stomatitis	Description
Viral	A consequence of infection by the herpes simplex virus (herpes stomatitis) Epstein-Barr (herpetic stomatitis). Such pathogens provoke the appearance of vesicular rashes containing clear liquid. Later, the addition of a secondary bacterial infection is noted. Then they open up and erosions appear. Similar ulcers in the mouth also appear with. How to treat wounds is determined by the doctor, having found out the cause of the disease.
Bacterial	Manifests itself due to the action of staphylococci or streptococci. With this form of the disease, a purulent rash appears (easy to see in the photo), which subsequently quickly opens. As a result, ulcers and erosions form in the mouth.
Fungal	As a rule, it appears after a course of antibiotics with which the patient is trying to cure other diseases. Fungal stomatitis in the mouth, the photo of which clearly demonstrates a dense white coating, appears due to the action of the Candida fungus. After removing the white plaque in the mouth, painful erosions are observed on the tonsils.
Erosive	It appears after illness and is characterized by the occurrence of erosions.
Chemical	Consequences of burns produced by acid or alkali. Later, scarring and deformation of the mucosa occurs.
Ray	A consequence of radiation sickness also develops after chemotherapy. The patient develops erosions in the oral cavity, and the mucous membrane thickens in certain areas.

Also, depending on concomitant diseases, syphilitic and streptococcal stomatitis are isolated.

Symptoms of stomatitis in adults

For any type of stomatitis, the symptoms are almost the same (see photo). In adults, the disease usually begins with slight redness. It can be single, it can be multiple. Then the area around the lesion swells and becomes painful. The next day, an ulcer with smooth edges and a red halo around it forms in this place. If there are several ulcers located nearby, they can merge with each other. Central region the ulcers are covered with a grayish or whitish coating.

The ulcer itself is very painful, but the patient is bothered by increased salivation, bleeding gums and bad breath. The pain from stomatitis can be so severe that it makes it difficult to chew food. Ulcers predominantly appear on the inside of the lips, on the cheeks, on the tonsils, and on the soft palate. Sometimes they may appear on or under the tongue.

The disease resolves over a period of 4 days to a month. There are no traces left after it.

What stomatitis looks like: photo

The photo below shows how the disease manifests itself in adults.

Allergic stomatitis

As the name suggests, this type of stomatitis is caused by allergic reactions body. The development of the disease can be provoked by: fillings, dentures, contact and food allergens, antibiotics.

Clinical manifestations of allergic stomatitis: swelling of the mucous membranes of the pharynx, soft palate, tongue, cheeks and lips, which interferes with the process of chewing and swallowing food, and also makes breathing difficult. The oral mucosa is irritated, hemorrhage and the presence of erosive areas are noted. The tongue is coated and enlarged. Salivation is weak.

If you are allergic to a prosthesis, a burning sensation is observed at the site of the installed structure. General symptoms: insomnia, irritability, temperature rise to critical levels.

Aphthous stomatitis

– symptoms primarily consist in the appearance of aphthae (erosions) of a round or oval shape, 5-10 mm in size, on the oral mucosa. Usually only one aphthae is formed, less often - two or three. The aphthae are surrounded by a bright red rim of inflamed mucosa, and themselves are covered with a whitish-gray fibrinous coating. Canker sores are usually very painful when touched, which can make eating difficult. Duration clinical manifestations– about 8-10 days.

The chronic course of the disease in adults with frequent relapses indicates the presence of gastrointestinal or liver diseases. Manifested by the following symptoms: multiple lesions of the lips, cheeks, tongue; painful sensations interfering with food intake; increase in body temperature to 38. Treatment of stomatitis at home includes a set of measures related to symptomatic signs and strengthening the immune system.

Candidal stomatitis

The causative agent - Candida fungus - is always found in the human body on its mucous membranes. Its growth and reproduction is inhibited by lactic acid bacteria (bifido, lacto). In some conditions, the balance of microorganisms is disturbed, bifidobacteria die and Candida multiplies uncontrollably on the mucous membrane. Most common cause candidal stomatitis(thrush in the mouth) is taking antibiotics.

IN initial stage symptoms and warning signs of the disease appear:

dryness;
burning in the mouth;
swelling of the mucous membrane;
redness of the mucous membrane;
white or gray coating;
thick white discharge;
bad breath or bad breath;
pain when chewing and talking.

White plaque in the mouth can lie on the mucous membranes completely or in spots. If the plaque is carefully removed (wipe with a cotton swab), then underneath it will be the red, inflamed oral mucosa.

Signs of herpetic stomatitis

The incubation period does not exceed 4 days. Most often, the first manifestation of the disease occurs in childhood, after which the disease periodically recurs even after reaching adulthood. As a rule, the development of herpetic stomatitis is caused by a decrease in the body's defenses caused by a malfunction of the immune system, overwork, stress or other factors.

Characteristic formations in the form of fluid-filled bubbles form on the cheeks, palate and tongue. After bursting, single bubbles merge into painful erosions. In adulthood, the body's reaction is rarely accompanied by symptoms of severe intoxication, but in some cases muscle pain, headaches, and fever are possible (especially if the initial symptoms are ignored).

Ulcerative stomatitis

Ulcerative stomatitis is relatively mild. Signs of inflammation appear in the oral cavity: the mucous membrane turns red, becomes swollen, and a burning sensation occurs in the gum area. After a few days of such manifestations, single ulcers appear on the inside of the cheeks and on the gums, on top of which there is a white-dirty coating. In this case, patients complain of increased salivation and bad breath. Fever may occur. With ulcerative stomatitis, sharp pain is observed, which intensifies when the inflamed areas come into contact with food, teeth and tongue.

Vincent's ulcerative-necrotizing stomatitis is manifested by extensive inflammation of the oral mucosa with a rapid increase in symptoms. Within a few days, the tissues become covered with ulcers with uneven edges, on top of which there are dense films of gray-green color. There are hyperemic tissues around them, and the ulcers themselves often spread to the tongue. Inflamed lesions can merge and affect the deeper layers of the mucous membrane. If you try to remove the plaque, a red bleeding surface will appear underneath it.

Traumatic stomatitis

Occurs as a result of mechanical disruption of the integrity of the mucous membrane due to careless prosthetics or injury. The affected area becomes inflamed, swollen, and the vessels are filled with blood. After some time, erosion appears, then a non-healing ulcer. In severe cases, the disease is complicated by a fungal infection.

How to treat stomatitis in adults?

The basis of treatment of any form of stomatitis in adults is pain relief and inflammation relief with the help of effective drugs. First of all, oral irrigation or applications are used local anesthetics. It is especially important to clean the mouth of children before eating. To stimulate healing and fight microbial infection, herbal solutions (oak bark, linden blossom, decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula), furacillin or miramistin solution are used.

Catarrhal stomatitis, caused by a banal violation of oral hygiene, with a mild course can be treated at home on your own, and after a week the person forgets about its appearance. In this case, you should use antiseptic mouth rinses and follow a diet that excludes spicy, hard, too salty or sour, too hot or cold foods.

If stomatitis is viral in nature, antiviral ointments are used. In order to create a protective film over the ulcers, Vasiline, rosehip or sea buckthorn oil, and aloe juice are used. They help in epithelial regeneration.

For fungal stomatitis, antifungal drugs are used - Candida for local treatment, Miramistin, Hexoral.

Drugs for the treatment of stomatitis

Sometimes the pain of ulcers greatly interferes with the patient’s ability to lead a normal lifestyle and eat. Therefore, the doctor may recommend the use of some effective anesthetic drugs, such as:

Drug name	Mechanism of action
Anestezin	local anesthetic for superficial anesthesia, available in the form of tablets for forming powder and powdering the affected area.
Hexoral tabs	is available in the form of lozenges; the drug contains Chlorhexidine and Benzocaine, which have a local antimicrobial and analgesic effect
Lidocaine Asept	an antiseptic with a local anesthetic effect, quite often used for aphthous stomatitis and for the treatment of erosive lesions of the mucosa.
Lidochlor	a drug of combined action in the form of a gel, which has a local anesthetic and antiseptic effect, pain relief and antimicrobial action occurs 5 minutes after applying the gel.
Folk remedies	A decoction of sage, calendula, chamomile, and colanchoe juice is used for pain relief and the treatment of ulcers.

In addition, treatment must include mouth rinses, ointments, sprays, gels, absorbable tablets, and lozenges with antimicrobial action.

Here is a list of current and effective drugs for treating stomatitis at home:

"Actovegin" is a gel that is used for the initial treatment of ulcers.
"Eucalyptus M" - lozenges.
"Kameton" - spray and aerosol.
"Cholisal" is a dental gel with a combined analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect.
“Vinilin gel”, “Lugol spray”, “Hexoral spray”, “Inhalipt spray”.
Hexetidine (Stomatidin) is an antiseptic with weak analgesic and antimicrobial effects.
“Evkarom”, “Ingafitol” - a collection for rinsing the mouth and inhalations, consists of eucalyptus leaves and chamomile flowers.
“Kamistad” is a dental gel with an anesthetic and antiseptic effect; it contains chamomile and lidocaine.

Antiviral, antifungal, antihistamine drugs are used depending on the cause of stomatitis, for herpetic stomatitis in adults, treatment consists of using antiviral agents in ointments, tablets, when stomatitis is of fungal origin (), antifungal agents are used; they should also be used for allergic stomatitis, and with other types of lesions of the oral mucosa.

Antihistamines - in tablet form “Fenistil”, “Claritin”, “Loratodin”, “Cetrin”, “Suprastin”, “Tavegil”.
Antifungals - “Mikozon”, “Daktarin”, “Mikonazole” gel, “Levorin”, nystatin ointment.
Antiviral - oxolinic, bonaftone ointment, interferon, tebrofen ointment, Zovirax, Acyclovir, Viru-Merz Serol.

Agents that accelerate epithelial healing:

Rosehip and sea buckthorn oil have a healing effect.
Karotolin is an oil solution intended for external use with an antioxidant effect, vitamin A.
Propolis spray is an additional remedy for the treatment of stomatitis in adults, which has a beneficial effect in the presence of various skin lesions, herpes, and ulcers.
Shostakovsky's balm, or "Vinilin" - helps cleanse wounds and accelerates tissue regeneration and epithelization, has an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect.
“Solcoseryl” is a dental paste that improves tissue trophism and stimulates epithelial regeneration in cases of stomatitis.

Folk remedies

Treatment of stomatitis at home should be carried out as prescribed by a doctor, who will take into account the causes of the disease and the general condition of the body. After eliminating the cause, he will prescribe rinses, ointments, gels, and multivitamin preparations.

Hydrogen peroxide. Rinse your mouth with 3% hydrogen peroxide diluted in the same amount of water 2-3 times a day for one to two weeks.
Blue iodine. Dilute blue iodine in a 1:1 ratio with warm water. Rinse your mouth with a glass of water 3 times a day. Apply gauze bandages moistened with blue iodine to the affected areas for 5 minutes. Treat stomatitis with this method 3 times a day.
Propolis tincture. After eating, rinse your mouth with hot water and then hydrogen peroxide to thoroughly clean out the sores. Some additionally dry them with warm air using a hairdryer. Then lubricate the affected areas with alcohol tincture of propolis diluted with water and dry again with warm air so that a film forms more quickly.
Myrrh oil. As legend has it, ancient Greek warriors did not go on a campaign without a paste of myrrh resin. Thick oil prevents the spread of infection, treats various skin lesions, helps with coughs and colds, and has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect for bacterial and viral lesions.
Silver water. Used to treat stomatitis in children and adults. Rinse your mouth with warm water several times a day. To prepare silver water, place a silver item in water at room temperature for a day.
Honey. Brew 1 tsp. green tea with a glass of boiling water in a teapot, leave for 45 minutes, strain. Melt 1 tbsp in a water bath. honey, add to green tea infusion. Rinse your mouth several times a day with warm infusion to treat stomatitis.
Blueberry. Brew 0.5 liters of boiling water with 3-4 tablespoons. blueberries, cook for 15 minutes over low heat with the lid closed, let cool. Rinse your mouth with a decoction for stomatitis or irritation of the mucous membrane.
Get 1 tsp. freshly squeezed onion juice, 1 tsp. Kalanchoe juice, add 3 tbsp to the juice mixture. water. Rinse your mouth several times a day.

Prevention of stomatitis

treat caries promptly;
treat the gastrointestinal tract in a timely manner;
wash your hands before eating;
remove tartar and plaque in a timely manner;
choose the right toothpaste and mouth rinse;
Provide yourself and your loved ones with a healthy diet, with a balanced combination of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and microelements.

Stomatitis is not a terrible, but very unpleasant disease of the oral cavity. Its occurrence can be effectively prevented. And timely treatment helps to quickly relieve yourself of painful symptoms.

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, violations metabolic processes, heredity and much more.

Factors relevant to local exposure are:

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;
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 during medical 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, there is bleeding from the gums and an unpleasant odor from the mouth.

Features of ulcerative stomatitis

This type of stomatitis refers to a more severe form of the disease than, for example, the catarrhal variety. However, he can act as his launched form, or 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 the appearance of pain in the mouth in the areas of aft 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 suffered from 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 protruding areas of braces with special wax-based products;
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 general diseases of the 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.).
	Recommended mouth rinses soda solution. 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 with antibacterial agents: Orasept, Hexoral, sage and other antiseptic medications.

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