Stomatitis: signs, treatment, prevention

What is stomatitis?

Stomatitis is an inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa. It occurs for various reasons - due to bacterial, viral or fungal infections, due to injuries, biting the tongue or cheek, rubbing the gums with a prosthesis, etc. If we keep in mind the various causes of occurrence, different localization and nature of the course, then we can even say that stomatitis is not one disease, but a whole group with similar symptoms.

Many people are interested in whether stomatitis is contagious. No, it itself is not contagious, but if you consider that it can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, then contact with the patient must be limited - no kissing or drinking from the same cup. This is especially true for children, since they are more direct in expressing feelings and tend to often forget about hygiene requirements.

Considering the question of how stomatitis is transmitted, we emphasize once again that stomatitis as an inflammation of the mucous membrane is not transmitted to other people. But if it is caused by a herpes virus, streptococcal or candida infection, then the patient may well transmit this infection to others through close contact (for example, parents often try baby drink by drinking from the child’s cup - this cannot be done with stomatitis). Whether this infection will lead to a similar disease in the infected person largely depends on his individual immunity.

Sometimes they ask how long it takes for stomatitis to go away. It is important to understand that this directly depends on the cause of the disease, the stability of the immune system and the treatment methods used. If acute stomatitis is caused by injury (for example, a burn from a hot drink or injury to the mucous membrane by a sharp edge of a tooth), and the immune system is strong enough, then the disease can go away in 3-4 days. If the cause is infection, but the patient strictly follows the doctor’s recommendations, then treatment of the acute phase of the disease may take 10-14 days. With reduced immunity (diabetes mellitus, HIV and other problems), treatment of stomatitis may be delayed indefinitely.

In the mouth, stomatitis can have different localizations. Simply put, the lesion can affect various places on the tongue, gums, roof of the mouth, lips and even the throat. As a rule, this does not affect the treatment method, but it can simplify, or, on the contrary, complicate treatment (if the damage affects hard-to-reach or constantly exposed areas).

Stomatitis on the lip occurs almost most often. Often it is the herpes virus that causes painful swelling, pimples or sores on the lips. At the same time, damage to the mucous membrane of the lips may be a symptom not of stomatitis, but of a lack of B vitamins.

Stomatitis on the palate is also one of the characteristic signs of herpetic stomatitis. But it can also be caused by other reasons.

Stomatitis on the tongue often occurs as a result of biting, injury from a chipped tooth with a sharp edge, or a burn. If the tongue is covered with a white cheesy coating, then it may be candidal stomatitis.

Stomatitis on the gums can be the result of tooth extraction, damage from a toothbrush with too hard bristles, or pieces of hard food.

Stomatitis in the throat is sometimes confused with sore throat. The symptoms are similar - sore throat, especially when swallowing, redness, increased salivation. But if a careful examination reveals blisters and ulcers, then this is most likely stomatitis.

You need to know that the location of ulcers, redness and swelling in a particular place is not an unambiguous sign of a particular type of stomatitis. The reasons must be determined by a doctor based on examination and test results.

Inflammation of the oral cavity in a child: causes, treatment

Pathogenic bacteria do not select their hosts based on age; for them, the main factor is a beneficial environment. Children, as a rule, are more susceptible to this type of infection than adults, because... the body is weaker and does not have a strong enough immune system.

If a child has been infected with pathogenic bacteria, this does not mean that the parents are providing poor care; today, the risk zone for children is modern sweets, many of them may already contain strains of viruses, depending on where and by whom they are produced, and as a result, they can cause caries and other dangerous diseases. For example, as a result of an examination, a doctor can diagnose stomatitis.

We are talking not only about school-age children, but also about infants who feed on their mother’s breasts, since bacteria can also be transmitted through milk. Children aged from birth to three years old can suffer from candidal stomatitis. After three years, they may develop herpetic stomatitis. This occurs when a child is denied a pacifier and begins to suck dirty fingers, which leads to the spread of bacteria in the oral cavity and the formation of small ulcers in size and shape. In this case, stomatitis in children in the mouth can be dangerous and treatment must be carried out very quickly, since the child will not be able to eat food at all, which will negatively affect his general condition and activity, not to mention the terrible pain that the child will experience.

School-aged children may also be susceptible to oral inflammation. In them, the disease takes the form of allergenic or aphthozonal stomatitis. It should be noted that an unhealthy lifestyle, unsanitary conditions, dirty cutlery or lack thereof can lead to adults also getting stomatitis. When it comes to children, it is necessary to conduct preventive and educational conversations about the need to always take care of hygiene, because clean hands are a guarantee of protection against the occurrence of stomatitis and intestinal diseases.

Stomatitis is more common in children. This is explained by the fact that in babies the mucous membrane in the oral cavity is much more tender and thinner. This leads to its rapid injury and defeat. The child’s immune system cannot cope with a large number of bacteria, so wounds appear in the mouth, which are quite difficult to cure. At the initial stage, stomatitis in her child can be detected by the mother, who is always next to him. However, you should not experiment with treatment; it is important to identify the cause of the disease and undergo treatment. You can only take precautions by isolating the child in a separate room if there are other children in the family. The reason for isolation is simple: the disease is transmitted through airborne droplets.

Types and forms of stomatitis

What types of stomatitis are there? Depending on what is taken as the basis for the classification, various forms and varieties of this disease can be distinguished. For example, according to the degree of damage to the mucous membrane, a distinction is made between catarrhal (superficial) stomatitis and ulcerative stomatitis.

According to the causes of occurrence, traumatic stomatitis, bacterial, candida, viral, prosthetic, drug, allergic and radiation are distinguished. The nature of the course of the disease and the presence of relapses make it possible to determine such forms of stomatitis as acute and chronic stomatitis.

To accurately determine the type of stomatitis in a particular case, it is necessary not only to carefully examine the oral cavity, but also to conduct tests for the presence of certain pathogens, and also take into account the presence of allergic reactions in the patient, chronic diseases (such as diabetes or gastritis) , pathologies of the immune system.

Chronic

Chronic stomatitis usually occurs as a continuation of advanced acute stomatitis and is characterized by a long course with periodic remissions and exacerbations. By origin, this is most often viral (herpetic) stomatitis. After treatment, the virus remains in the body and when the immune system is weakened again (due to stress, illness or other reason), it is activated and leads to relapse of stomatitis.

Chronic recurrent stomatitis can be not only viral in nature, but also bacterial, allergic, and candidiasis. The causative agents of many diseases are constantly present in the body, or easily enter it from the external environment. And if stomatitis was caused by an allergy to some substance or exposure, then it is very likely that with each contact with this allergen the stomatitis will return again.

Treatment of chronic stomatitis always includes the use of specific therapy aimed at suppressing the pathogen: antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal. It is also necessary to eliminate foci of infection (for example, carious cavities) and complete sanitation of the oral cavity with professional hygiene.

Bacterial

Bacterial stomatitis is caused by pathogenic microorganisms (for example, streptococci or staphylococci) that enter the oral cavity or are already in it (for example, in carious cavities, in the thickness of tartar) and infect the mucous membrane. This is facilitated by injury to the mucous membrane with sharp edges of teeth, rubbing dentures, or other objects.

Treatment of bacterial stomatitis involves the use of antiseptic and antibacterial agents. If the cause of stomatitis is a denture, then it should be cleaned with special means (for example, in an ultrasonic bath), or replaced with a more comfortable one.

Angular

Angular stomatitis is associated with the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth (“jams”). The main causes of this disease are lack of vitamins and bacterial (or fungal) infection. This type of stomatitis is characterized by damage to the outer surface of the lips.

Treatment for angular stomatitis depends on the type of infection. For fungal infections, fungicidal ointments and preparations are used. The streptococcal variety requires the use of antibacterial agents. Treatment is complemented by taking vitamins, eliminating their deficiency and raising the level of immune defense.

Viral

Viral stomatitis is caused by infection of the body with a virus. Most often (in about 80% of cases) this is the herpes virus. But besides it, stomatitis can be caused by almost any virus - chickenpox, measles, influenza, adenoviruses or rotaviruses. Typically, the onset of the disease is typical for a viral infection of this type - it may be fever, chills, runny nose, cough, or swollen lymph nodes. But after 1-3 days, characteristic symptoms of viral stomatitis appear: blisters form in the mouth, which later turn into ulcers, swelling of the gums, bleeding, and putrid breath may occur.

Viral stomatitis can be considered a complication of the underlying viral infection. Its causes (in addition to the virus itself) are reduced immunity and poor oral hygiene - the presence of untreated caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis.

Treatment of viral stomatitis involves first of all treating the underlying disease. In addition, the affected areas of the mucosa can be treated with local antiseptic drugs, anti-inflammatory and wound healing agents. Often in such cases, antiviral ointments or gels are prescribed, and vitamins, immunomodulators, and adaptogens are prescribed to maintain and strengthen the immune system.

Allergic

Allergic stomatitis is caused by exposure to allergens. In addition to the typical allergens that are well known to us, such as animal fur, pollen, foods such as honey, citrus fruits, etc., allergies can be caused by some medications, dental products and orthodontic structures (for example, acrylic dentures).

It often happens that an incorrectly manufactured prosthesis (for example, with a violation of the proportions of the material components) causes an allergic reaction and, as a result, stomatitis. When replacing the prosthesis with a correctly made one (without excess monomer in the composition), the allergy disappears. Symptoms of allergic stomatitis are redness of the mucous membrane (and with prosthetic stomatitis, this can be not only the areas under the prosthesis, but all parts of the tongue, cheeks, etc., in contact with the prosthesis), swelling, itching, and subsequently small blisters appear, often turning into sores.

When treating allergic stomatitis, it is important first of all to determine the cause of the allergy and remove contact with the allergen (eliminate foods that cause allergies, or replace the denture if this is the cause), and take antihistamines. The rest of the treatment involves the use of local antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents.

Herpetic

Herpetic stomatitis is one of the contagious forms of stomatitis. Moreover, contagiousness persists even for 2 weeks after recovery. In most cases, the herpes virus never completely leaves the infected body. It is in a dormant, inactive form, but can be activated when immunity decreases - due to stress, lack of vitamins, due to a severe respiratory disease. Therefore, herpetic (cold sore) stomatitis is often chronic.

An adult very often does not have a strong reaction to the effects of herpes and damage to the mucous membrane. In children, acute herpetic stomatitis can be accompanied by an increase in temperature, general intoxication; when the bubbles merge, burst and form erosion, the child may feel severe pain, which interferes with eating, drinking, and talking. Most often, rashes appear on the palate, tongue, and inner surface of the cheeks. But often they also affect the lips and gums. The danger of this type of stomatitis is that it can turn into gingivitis, so it must be treated.

Treatment of herpetic stomatitis always involves suppressing the herpes virus. Antiseptics (chlorhexidine) and even many antiviral drugs do not affect the herpes virus. Moreover, antibiotics have no effect on him. Special medications have been developed against herpes - acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir. They should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor, in case of severe herpetic stomatitis.

Among the local antiseptics, you can use Miramistin (effective against both types of herpes viruses) and Hexoral (active only against HSV-1). Anti-inflammatory drugs (cholisal) and wound-healing agents (solcoseryl, actovegin, sea buckthorn and rosehip oil, vitamins A and E) perform well.

Candida

Candidal stomatitis often occurs in children under 3 years of age and is therefore often called childhood thrush. This disease is caused by the fungus Candida. It is distinguished by a characteristic white cheesy coating, which is practically impossible to remove mechanically. When trying to remove it, the patient experiences pain, and under the plaque a bleeding, swollen surface of the mucous membrane is found. At the onset of the disease, a person may feel dry mouth, a burning sensation, and white dots appear that merge to form a continuous plaque.

The decision on how to treat candidal stomatitis should be made by a doctor, especially when it comes to a child. For adults, antifungals and topical medications (such as candida) are almost always prescribed. Treatment of candidal stomatitis in children is often limited to the use of vitamins and immune-strengthening agents. To eliminate symptoms, use alkaline rinses and lubricate the mouth with iodine. Antifungal drugs are used only in cases of severe candidomycosis stomatitis.

Ulcerative

Ulcerative stomatitis is a more severe form of the disease than catarrhal stomatitis. Its peculiarity is that the lesion covers the entire thickness of the mucosa, in contrast to the catarrhal form, where it affects only the superficial layers. Deep damage to the oral mucosa causes great suffering to the patient, and after the ulcers heal, scars often remain. Treatment for ulcerative stomatitis depends on the cause of the disease. If an infection is present, antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal therapy is carried out, as well as a course of restoratives and vitamins. Treatment is carried out with means for topical use - antiseptic drugs (furacilin, chlorhexidine, miramistin), herbal decoctions, healing agents. If the cause is traumatic damage to the mucosa, dental procedures are indicated: removal of decayed teeth, treatment of caries, professional oral hygiene.

Vesicular

Vesicular stomatitis is most often enteroviral. It is usually transmitted from animals (or from people who are carriers of the virus) - by airborne droplets, contact and fecal-oral routes. Children most often suffer from it. One of the characteristic symptoms of this disease is a rash on the palms and soles (sometimes also on the face around the mouth, on the buttocks and genitals) - this is vesicular stomatitis with exanthema.

Watery rashes are quite painful and cause itching, which causes severe discomfort to the child, often leads to refusal to eat, and disrupts sleep. With proper timely treatment, the disease goes away without a trace, leaving lasting lifelong immunity. Unfortunately, there are several types of Coxsackie virus, so a person who has had vesicular stomatitis can become infected again with a different type of virus.

Treatment is mainly symptomatic and includes isolating the patient (to avoid infecting other people), taking painkillers, treating rashes with local antiseptics, using applications and rinses, taking vitamin complexes, and in some cases, antiviral and antihistamine drugs.

Aphthous

Aphthous stomatitis is characterized by the formation of aphthous stomatitis on the oral mucosa - one (less often two or three) round ulcers up to 1 cm in size, surrounded by a bright red border and covered with a gray-yellow coating. Touching them is very painful. Itching or burning is often felt before ulcerations appear. Other symptoms rarely appear - slight fever, weakness.

The cause of aphthous stomatitis is reduced immunity, the presence of foci of infection (chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis, etc.), gastrointestinal diseases, allergic reactions (including to sodium lauryl sulfate contained in some toothpastes), trauma to the mucous membrane (biting), increased concentration of nitrates in food or drink.

If the situation of decreased immunity, exposure to infections or allergens is repeated, the disease may recur, taking on the character of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. With a mild course of the disease, there are no more than 2-3 relapses per year. More frequent attacks indicate a severe form of the disease.

Treatment of aphthous stomatitis involves eliminating contact with allergens, incl. Avoid toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate and avoid allergenic and acidic foods. Antihistamines are also often prescribed.

When deciding how to treat aphthous stomatitis, the doctor must conduct a thorough diagnosis and establish the cause of the disease. In accordance with this, a selection of antiseptic drugs (for example, miramistin or chlorhexidine), anti-inflammatory gels (for example, cholisal) and wound healing agents (solcoseryl) is made.

The severe course of chronic aphthous stomatitis often involves the use of more serious medications and methods: laser treatment, immunomodulators, glucocorticoids, but such drugs should be prescribed exclusively by the attending physician.

Stomatitis

During antitumor treatment, various side effects from the oral cavity and pharynx may occur.
This occurs due to the direct damaging effect on normal tissues located in this area during the treatment. This most often occurs during systemic drug treatment, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy. Damaged tissue can become an “entry gate” for infection, most often bacterial or fungal, which can intensify local manifestations of stomatitis, causing pain and inflammation. It is likely that other undesirable effects will develop in this area. For example, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the head and neck area can damage the salivary glands and the normal mucous membrane of the oral cavity, resulting in dry mouth and difficulty chewing and swallowing food. Examples of side effects that occur in the oral cavity are the following adverse events (medical terms are indicated in parentheses):

changes in the sense of taste (dysgeusia) and smell (perception of smells) - familiar smells and tastes that you previously liked may suddenly seem unfamiliar or even unpleasant against the background of antitumor treatment. In more severe cases, there may be a complete loss of the perception of taste and smell, which can have a negative impact on the quality of life;
dry mouth (xerostomia), which is a consequence of the above-mentioned damage to the cells of the salivary glands. Disruption of their normal functioning can cause a subjectively unpleasant feeling of dryness in the oral cavity and, since the production of saliva plays an important role in the process of swallowing food, complicate the eating process. For example, you may have difficulty swallowing solid or dry foods;
increased sensitivity of teeth and gums to heat and/or cold, as well as progression of the caries process - the growth of cavities in the teeth, which disrupt their normal structure and can lead to pain when chewing and the development of typical complications of caries (pulpitis, gingivitis, etc. );
the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, a feeling of pain and swelling in these areas. The development of such a process is referred to as “stomatitis” or “oral mucositis,” which is a common complication of many types of antitumor treatment. The incidence of such complications depends on the treatment provided (for more details on prostomatitis and its treatment, see below).

In the most severe cases, the development of the above problems can lead to the development of complications such as lack of nutrition (malnutrition), severe weight loss, and dehydration (dehydration). In addition to unpleasant sensations, infectious complications arising from stomatitis greatly complicate the process of antitumor treatment; they may require delays or cause the need to reduce the doses of drugs used, which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of therapy. In some cases, severe stomatitis makes it impossible to continue treatment.

If you notice the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, including painless ones, as well as an episode of a rise in temperature to 38.0 0C or higher, if these complications disturb your sleep, interfere with normal nutrition and fluid intake - immediately inform your doctor!

Before starting treatment

As with many diseases, the development of oral complications is easier to prevent than to cure. If complications have already developed, the sooner the necessary measures are taken, the less likely it is that they will increase and become severe. There are various methods aimed at preventing and treating oral complications.

Visit the dentist and make sure that you do not have any foci of chronic infection in the oral cavity, such as carious teeth, chronic periodontitis, as well as untreated teeth, for example, “fragments” that need removal or prosthetics, etc. Tell your dentist that you are undergoing cancer treatment; he or she may be able to give you valuable advice on oral hygiene.

On the other hand, it is very important to understand that dental treatment should not delay antitumor therapy, as this may reduce its effectiveness. Discuss with your attending physician the required scope of dental interventions in your individual case.

Stomatitis and pain when swallowing

As mentioned above, stomatitis is a characteristic complication of many types of antitumor treatment, which is characterized by the appearance of single or multiple ulcers in the oral cavity, on the gums and/or on the tongue, the back wall of the pharynx, etc. They can be painless or cause significant discomfort, up to acute pain requiring strong analgesics, making it impossible to eat by mouth. Their appearance and size can vary from pinpoint changes to large ulcers that bleed or are covered with a whitish coating.

Stomatitis is not observed in all patients; its severity can vary greatly and depend on the treatment provided. As a rule, the development of stomatitis occurs 7-10 days after the start of antitumor treatment, but its earlier appearance is also possible. In most cases, subject to the following rules, it does not cause significant discomfort to the patient and, in the absence of infectious complications, goes away on its own and heals without a trace within 2-4 weeks.

Tips for preventing the development of stomatitis

Check your oral health by brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth daily. At least once a day, inspect your mouth for the formation of ulcers or spots covered with a whitish coating. If any unusual changes occur, tell your doctor.
Rinsing your mouth daily with warm water and a baking soda solution may be helpful;
Take gentle but thorough care of your teeth, gums and tongue. Brush your teeth after every meal and before bed;
Use only a soft toothbrush, as this will minimize trauma to the gums and oral mucosa during brushing;
Try not to use toothpicks unnecessarily, as they can injure your gums; it is preferable to use dental floss;
Avoid eating foods that may irritate the oral mucosa. These foods include spicy, salty foods, a variety of pickles, sauerkraut, sour fruits, especially pineapples, citrus fruits, pomegranates, vegetables (for example, radishes), as well as alcoholic drinks and hot (highly heated) dishes.
Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco products. Quitting smoking before starting treatment can significantly reduce the risk of developing oral complications.

Treatment of stomatitis

When stomatitis develops, try to eat foods and dishes that do not cause you discomfort when chewing and swallowing, for example, those that have a soft consistency and are quite moist. Sauces can be added to “dry” dishes to make them more moist. Using a blender, you can make milkshakes and shakes, as well as grind food to a comfortable consistency.

Frequent mouth rinsing is one of the most important and effective methods of preventing and treating stomatitis. For rinsing, you can use almost any solution that does not irritate the oral mucosa. Do not use acidic solutions, such as those containing vinegar or lemon juice. Most often, a saline solution (0.9%, i.e. 9 g of table salt per 1 liter of clean drinking water), a baking soda solution of similar concentration is used for rinsing the mouth; for additional pain relief, local anesthetics (lidocaine, novocaine) can be added to them ), diphenhydramine (diphenhydramine), etc. It is advisable to alternate such solutions with local antiseptics, for example, chlorhexidine.

Ask your doctor in advance for recipes for mouth rinses in case you develop mouth ulcers, including painful ones that interfere with eating.

In case of severe pain and ineffectiveness of local painkillers, painkillers that have a systemic effect are used, for example, the same ones used for headaches or toothaches. It is better to use the drugs that you are used to. In severe cases, opioid analgesics are used.

The use of anti-inflammatory drugs that suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase-1, for example, aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoroloc and ketoprofen is contraindicated in the presence of severe thrombocytopenia.

Appearance of dry mouth

Drink more often, try to consume as much fluid as possible, this provides additional hydration to the oral cavity, in addition, dry mouth contributes to the progression of caries and infections in the oral cavity. Always keep a container of liquid with you to ensure easy access to drinking water. Sucking on ice slices (“chips”), using chewing gum and sugar-free candies, and moisturizing lip balms may be helpful.

For changes and disturbances in taste sensitivity

Although this complication does not pose a threat to the patient’s health, it can cause significant discomfort and significantly reduce the quality of life during antitumor therapy. There may be changes in the perception of sweet, sour and bitter tastes, as well as the appearance of an unpleasant “chemical” or “metallic” taste in the mouth. It can be helpful to try eating different foods to find the ones you like best in a new situation. The following tips can also help cope with this unpleasant situation:

If food seems bland (tasteless) to you, try adding various sauces and spices to it. Improvise! Choose the flavor you like;
Often, familiar red meat, such as pork or beef, can begin to cause disgust and taste unusual. In this case, try replacing them in your diet with other high-protein foods, such as poultry (chicken, turkey), cottage cheese, eggs, fish and/or other foods;
Using sweeteners can help if food tastes too salty, bitter, or sour;
If you notice a metallic taste in your food, try to avoid using metal or metal-coated utensils and utensils, especially knives. It is useful to use ceramic knives.

Dental complications arising during antitumor treatment

If existing chronic oral diseases have not been treated before starting therapy, this may lead to their exacerbation during treatment. If they occur, contact your attending physician and ask him about possible contraindications to dental treatment. It is also necessary to perform a general (clinical) blood test, since a decrease in the number of neutrophils can lead to an increased risk of infection during dental surgery, and a decrease in the number of platelets increases the risk of bleeding. The need for dental interventions must be assessed taking into account the clinical picture of the underlying disease, the condition of the oral cavity and blood test results.

It must be taken into account that with the use of certain antitumor drugs, such as vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine), thalidomide, lenalidomide, symptoms characterized by acute toothache, similar to acute pulpitis and other dental diseases, may occur. This occurs due to their direct irritant effect on sensitive nerve fibers. In these cases, a thorough examination is necessary to determine the cause of the toothache.

The occurrence of acute toothache and loosening of teeth is possible due to the use of drugs aimed at maintaining the normal state of bone tissue, such as bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid, ibandronic acid, alendronic acid) or denosumab (Exgiva, Prolia) can be a symptom of a dangerous complication - osteonecrosis of the jaw . Immediately report these symptoms to your doctor if they occur and especially if they get worse!

Causes

The question of why stomatitis appears has several possible answers. First of all, this is the body’s weak resistance due to age, lack of vitamins, severe stress or heavy physical activity. In addition, the harmful effects of allergens, new or existing infections in the body, and traumatic damage to the mucous membrane are important. So, all the variety of reasons can be reduced to several groups:

weakening of the immune system for any reason (age, illness, stress, strain, bad habits, poor nutrition or environment),
insufficient oral hygiene (presence of untreated caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, hard plaque, infrequent or improper brushing of teeth),
allergies (not only to foods, but also to medications, denture materials, dental products and pastes, food or vitamin supplements),
injuries to the mucous membrane - mechanical (biting, hard and sharp food particles, rubbing dentures, blows, etc.) and thermal (burns from hot food or drink),
infection entering the body (in children this is “disease of dirty hands”), or activation of microorganisms present in the body.

Bad habits have a great influence: for example, smoking damages the mucous membrane (with hot smoke, chemicals from smoldering tobacco), reduces immunity, and irritates the mucous membrane of not only the mouth and nose, but also the bronchi. Avoiding excesses and unhealthy foods, alcohol and tobacco significantly strengthens the immune system and prevents repeated relapses of stomatitis.

Where is baking soda used?

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is found in almost every kitchen; it is widely used in confectionery and in everyday life (for cleaning dishes, surfaces from grease and dirt, etc.). Soda also finds its use in medicine, namely it is prescribed for:

liquefaction of mucous formations in the bronchial branches;
inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
heartburn;
bites of blood-sucking insects;
stabilization of blood pressure;
skin diseases.

Soda is used not only as a solution for rinsing, but is also prescribed for oral administration (orally), applying compresses or lotions, and rinsing. Almost any dentist will say that soda is indeed a very effective remedy for fighting stomatitis, moreover, it does not cause allergic reactions, which makes it possible to use it in the treatment of young children.

Signs and symptoms of stomatitis

The symptoms of acute stomatitis are very similar for different types of this disease, although there are differences that make it possible to more accurately diagnose the disease. The location of the rash does not always indicate the form or causes of the pathology. The symptoms of stomatitis on the tongue or in the throat are generally the same; much more important is the nature of the manifestations, the presence of rashes - small blisters or one large ulcer. The severity of the inflammatory process allows us to judge whether the disease is milder, catarrhal, or more severe. For example, the symptoms of catarrhal stomatitis include only:

redness and swelling of the mucous membrane,
soreness, sometimes bleeding gums,
bad breath,
increased (or, on the contrary, decreased salivation),
Sometimes a white sticky coating appears.

But at the same time, there are no rashes or ulcers, the temperature rises very rarely and slightly, the lymph nodes are not enlarged. It would seem that this indicates the stability of the immune defense and an easy and quick cure, however, even this form of stomatitis needs treatment, otherwise, once neglected, it can become more severe, ulcers will appear, a bacterial infection will join, which will spread to neighboring organs, causing serious complications.

So, let us highlight the symptoms of the disease characteristic of stomatitis:

redness and swelling of certain areas of the mucous membrane,
blisters, blisters or sores (not always),
pain, burning, itching in the affected areas, which intensifies when touched, eating, talking,
bad breath,
plaque (white or grayish-yellow) on the affected areas,
fever, chills (not always, more often in children than in adults),
signs of intoxication - weakness, headache, nausea (not always).

Symptoms of stomatitis in newborns are slightly different. Most often this is:

temperature increase,
baby's refusal to breastfeed,
restlessness and moodiness of the baby,
small blisters or sores on the oral mucosa.

The most common causes of stomatitis in newborns are the herpes simplex virus (65%) or the Candida fungus (30%). In the case of herpes, blisters with transparent contents appear on the mucous membrane, which soon burst, forming ulcers. With candidal stomatitis, white dots appear that merge to form a solid white coating. Since damage to the mucous membrane causes pain and burning, the baby refuses to eat, which is very dangerous, as it leads to weight loss and dehydration.

Temperature with stomatitis

The question of whether there can be a fever with stomatitis usually worries the parents of a sick child, who are trying to understand whether it is worth seeing a doctor. Yes, with stomatitis in children, the temperature very often rises. In general, the signs of stomatitis in children are usually more pronounced than in adults, due to the fact that the child’s immune system still reacts to infections and inflammation quite violently.

But even in adults with stomatitis, the temperature may rise, especially with a more severe course of the disease.

You need to know how long the temperature lasts for stomatitis. Usually this is several days, but depending on the cause of the disease and the severity of its course, this time may be shorter or longer. In any case, you should definitely consult a doctor - correct diagnosis and proper treatment can shorten this period and prevent the disease from developing into a complicated form.

Which doctor should I contact if I have signs of stomatitis?

Which doctor treats stomatitis? At the first signs of stomatitis, you should go to a doctor who treats diseases of the oral cavity - a dentist. He will determine the type of disease and its causes, prescribe treatment, and, if necessary, refer you for tests or to a specialized doctor to clarify the diagnosis.

If manifestations of stomatitis are noticeable in a child, then you should contact your local pediatrician.

Diagnosis of stomatitis

Successful healing requires correct diagnosis of stomatitis. Only a doctor with the necessary knowledge and professional experience can accurately determine the type of disease, establish the causes and propose treatment tactics taking into account the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

On the one hand, this disease has very characteristic symptoms and stomatitis is relatively easy to diagnose. On the other hand, stomatitis may be concomitant with another, more serious disease. The effectiveness of the medications and treatment methods used directly depends on the correct identification of the causes that caused stomatitis.

Treatment of stomatitis in adults

Adults usually tolerate stomatitis more easily than children, however, stomatitis in adults also requires treatment, since if it is neglected, it can become more severe, cause serious complications, and become chronic.

Treatment of stomatitis in adults should always be based on identifying the causes of the disease. If the cause is an allergy, then it is necessary to identify the allergen and eliminate contact with it. If the cause is a bacterial or viral infection, then a course of antibacterial or antiviral therapy should be administered. Depending on the specific diagnosis, the most effective painkillers, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing agents in a particular case are selected. To the question - how to treat stomatitis in adults? — the dentist must answer. In no case should you self-medicate, as this can have the opposite effect and lead to a worsening of the situation.

Treatment of stomatitis includes:

Elimination of the cause of the disease (allergy or viral infection, bacterial contamination).
Local treatment - rinsing with antiseptics and herbal decoctions, using anti-inflammatory and healing gels.
Suppression of acute conditions - reduction of high temperature, pain relief.

In addition to systemic treatment aimed at suppressing infection, antihistamines are often used, and local treatment - rinses, applications, ointments and gels, the purpose of which is to clean the surface of the mucous membrane from plaque with microorganisms, prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microflora, reduce inflammation, eliminate pain, and stimulate regeneration of damaged tissue.

How to rinse

Mouth rinsing for stomatitis is aimed at mechanical removal of dead epithelial cells, mucus containing pathogenic microflora, as well as the death of harmful microorganisms and suppression of their reproduction.

One of the best antiseptics is Miramistin - it has not only antimicrobial activity, but also antiviral activity (including against both herpes simplex viruses). It also restores local immunity of the mucous membrane.

The second rinse option is chlorhexidine. It has less antiviral protection, but more actively suppresses bacteria, and most importantly, it leaves an indelible layer of the drug on the mucous membrane, which prolongs the rinsing effect.

Furacilin and other antiseptics give good results. Hexoral contains not only an antiseptic, but also anti-inflammatory and analgesic components.

Rinsing with herbal decoctions helps with stomatitis: chamomile, sage, calendula, eucalyptus, etc. But you need to understand that these remedies are auxiliary, not primary - you should not rely on them alone in the treatment of such a serious disease as stomatitis.

Soda for stomatitis

Rinsing with soda for stomatitis has two advantages: first of all, soda softens and helps remove mucus and bacterial plaque. In addition, it creates an alkaline environment, which is destructive for many harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Soda solution for stomatitis does not cause burning or pain, has no contraindications, and is suitable even for children. To prepare it, you need to dissolve 1 teaspoon in 200 ml of warm water. The solution will help reduce swelling and pain, soothe the mucous membranes, and slow down the development of harmful microorganisms.

Stomatitis during pregnancy

Stomatitis occurs very often in pregnant women. The reason for this is weakened immunity, lack of vitamins, and hormonal changes in the body. It is necessary to treat this disease only under the supervision of a doctor, since only a doctor can prescribe medications that will not harm the health of the mother and her unborn baby.

To avoid stomatitis during pregnancy, it is necessary to visit the dentist in advance and perform a complete sanitation of the oral cavity - cure caries, remove tartar, and solve all other problems. And also regularly and carefully care for your oral cavity throughout the entire period of pregnancy, take care of your health and follow all doctor’s recommendations.

Antibiotics for stomatitis

In all cases, antibiotics are prescribed only by a doctor. They are effective only against bacterial infections and the forms of stomatitis caused by them (for example, with Vincent's ulcerative necrotizing stomatitis). Viral types of stomatitis cannot be cured with antibiotics. The success of treating stomatitis with antibiotics directly depends on correct diagnosis and accurate selection of the most effective drugs and dosages in a particular case.

Who is contraindicated in treatment with soda for stomatitis?

Before using such an effective remedy, it would be a good idea to visit the dental office. If you have a chronic form of stomatitis (the cause of the spread of infection may be gingivitis, tartar or caries), the doctor will draw up a treatment plan and prescribe a course of medication. If there are no specific contraindications, then you can start treatment with soda for stomatitis.

The soda solution is prepared as follows: 10 grams of table soda (1 teaspoon) per 200 grams of warm (35-37C.) boiled water. Rinse after each meal, as well as in the morning and evening, since pathogenic microflora multiplies much faster during sleep, and food also creates favorable conditions for the spread of infection. If there is significant damage to the oral cavity, it is recommended to rinse your mouth every 1.5-2 hours if possible.

If a child has stomatitis, it is necessary to moisten a cotton swab or disk in the solution and carefully disinfect the child’s oral cavity. You should not wet the tampon too much, as the child will already experience discomfort during the procedure; moreover, excessive ingestion of soda solution into the body can provoke an involuntary gag reflex.

Note! The concentration of the solution when treating children should be reduced. For 200 grams, only ¼ teaspoon (2-2.5 grams) of soda is enough.

In addition to soda, when treating stomatitis, herbal infusions of sage, calendula or chamomile are often prescribed to soothe irritated mucous membranes and relieve pain.

In case of severe illness, the doctor may prescribe:

Highly specialized antiseptic agents.
Painkillers.
Antiviral drugs.

Often stomatitis is the cause of vitamin deficiency, so a course of vitamins may be prescribed.

Treatment of stomatitis in children

How to treat stomatitis in a child depends on the cause of the disease. Fungal candidiasis infection, or herpes virus, enterovirus require different treatment tactics and the use of different drugs. This is why it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Children's stomatitis is usually treated with gentle means, limited to rinses, anti-inflammatory and painkillers, and vitamins. But in cases where the disease is more severe, antifungal, antibacterial or antiviral agents are used, the choice and dosage of which is prescribed by the attending physician.

Stomatitis and coronavirus

There is a lot of talk now that many people develop stomatitis due to coronavirus. And so the question arises - how are they connected? It is quite obvious that coronavirus infection greatly weakens the body, undermines the immune defense, and leads to various complications. And with a decrease in immunity, as we know, many dormant infections in the body are activated, which lead to stomatitis. Therefore, it is impossible to consider stomatitis as a symptom of Covid. But it is more logical to look at stomatitis as a concomitant disease that occurs in approximately half of those suffering from coronavirus infection.

After coronavirus, stomatitis can also occur as one of the possible complications. Particularly susceptible to this are those patients who did not closely monitor the condition of the oral cavity, rarely visited the dentist, who had advanced caries or problems with the gums (gingivitis, periodontitis), and tartar deposits. In order to avoid contracting stomatitis after Covid, it is important to regularly and thoroughly perform oral hygiene, brush your teeth, and visit the dentist in a timely manner.

Stomatitis rarely occurs after vaccination against coronavirus. Some patients have a more difficult time with vaccination, so a decrease in immunity may result in a recurrence of stomatitis, especially in those who have had it before or in those who are at risk.

Traditional methods of treatment

The main weakness of attempts to cope with stomatitis using traditional techniques and methods is that it is not always possible to accurately determine the type and cause of the disease on your own. This means that the means chosen are not always effective in this particular case. Nevertheless, traditional treatment for stomatitis is quite capable of helping to cope with the disease in a number of cases, especially when the disease is mild.

At the same time, you need to be aware that not all folk remedies for stomatitis are effective. For example, blue (methylene blue dye) has such weak antiseptic properties that its use is simply pointless.

Herbal decoctions have a positive effect on the oral mucosa, softening, providing an antiseptic, healing effect, but it is most often quite weak, so they should not be considered as the main means of treatment. The best folk remedies:

propolis - it is used in the form of an alcohol tincture, but before applying to the affected mucous membrane, the tincture must be diluted; propolis has a disinfectant and even a slight analgesic effect;
chamomile flowers - used in the form of a decoction as a disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and sedative;
oak bark - its decoction strengthens inflamed tissues of the gums and oral mucosa, reduces pain;
sage - a decoction of its leaves relieves pain, suppresses inflammation of oral tissues;
sea buckthorn oil - reduces pain, has a strong regenerating effect, helping to heal ulcers and cracks.

Treatment of stomatitis with folk remedies should not be opposed to medical technologies. Many modern doctors allow the use of folk remedies that have proven effectiveness or at least useful substances in their composition, and even recommend them as an aid.

Treatment with soda for stomatitis with the addition of the effect of herbal medicine

The effectiveness of the soda solution can be significantly increased by adding infusions of medicinal herbs. In addition to sage and chamomile, you can use oak bark and St. John's wort. The decoction and solution are mixed in a 50/50 ratio and then the procedures begin. Aloe and Kalanchoe juice is also very effective in combating stomatitis. Pre-washed stems are crushed to a pulp and added to a warm solution. Aloe juice contains antiseptic substances of natural origin, which have a beneficial effect on irritated mucous membranes, relieve inflammation and improve the regenerative properties of epithelial tissue.

Diet for stomatitis

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in the treatment of diseases, incl. and stomatitis. First of all, it is important to avoid dishes and foods that irritate the mucous membrane - hot, salty, with a lot of spices. You will also have to give up dry food, coarse and hard products, because... they will increase pain. Avoid foods and drinks with a lot of acids (apples, tomatoes, oranges, sour berries, coffee, sour juices) - they not only irritate the inflamed mucous membrane, but also create a favorable environment for the development of pathogens.

With stomatitis, it is difficult to chew food due to pain, so the main part of the diet should be boiled, stewed foods, preferably crushed into a puree. It is better to use meat and fish in the form of minced meat for cooking; replace broth soups with pieces of vegetables and meat with cream soup or puree soup. It is advisable to eat food warm.

Be sure to include vitamins A, B, and C in your diet, either in natural foods or in supplement form. It is recommended to consume soft foods - soft cheeses and cottage cheese, milk and kefir, viscous and semi-liquid porridges. Baby food (purees, curds, yoghurts, puddings, jellies) is well suited. It is better to replace drinks with tea, herbal infusions and clean water.

Is treatment possible at home?

Treating stomatitis at home is quite possible, especially if it is not severe. However, it is still necessary to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and choice of medications than to treat stomatitis at home.

To treat herpetic stomatitis at home, local remedies are sufficient: rinsing with miramistin (3-4 times a day) or hexoral. To suppress inflammation, you can use Cholisal gel, for faster healing of ulcers - solcoseryl gel (or Actovegin), sea buckthorn or rosehip oil, oil solutions of vitamins A or E. If rashes appear on the lips or skin around the mouth, you can use Zovirax cream or acyclovir. In severe cases of the disease, it is necessary to use drugs against the herpes virus, but they must be prescribed by a doctor.

In general, it is dangerous to treat severe forms of stomatitis at home, especially such as Vincent’s ulcerative necrotizing stomatitis. To combat it, antibiotics will be required, which should be selected by the attending physician.

How soda works

Baking soda does not have any serious side effects, so it can be used to treat even children. It is easily available and sold in any grocery or hardware store, so treatment with soda can be carried out at home. Many antiseptic medications have strictly defined dosages and have a number of contraindications. Sodium carbonate has virtually no contraindications. It does not cause irritation in the affected areas, but rather stimulates regeneration due to the fact that the solution has a slightly alkaline environment.

Important: The operating principle is that the soda solution has a detrimental effect on the pathogenic microflora in the damaged area, without causing even greater irritation compared to a number of antiseptics. With regular rinsing, the infection does not develop, the ulcers heal faster and the condition improves.

Prevention of stomatitis

Preventing a disease from occurring is much easier than treating it. Considering that the main risk factors for stomatitis most often are decreased immunity and poor oral hygiene, as well as bad habits, we can name the key points for preventing stomatitis:

regular teeth cleaning and visits to the dental office,
taking care of the immune system - avoiding stress, taking multivitamins, eating fruits and vegetables,
getting rid of bad habits (primarily smoking),
take care of your health and try to prevent the development of chronic diseases.

When visiting a dentist to install orthodontic structures, dentures, or crowns, you must carefully choose a clinic to avoid allergies or rubbing of the dentures.