Stomatitis
Stomatitis can be defined as an inflamed and sore mouth, which can disrupt a person’s ability to eat, talk and sleep. It affects the mucous membranes, which are the thin skin coverings on the inside surface of the mouth. The membrane produce the protective mucus, as well as lining the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the inside of the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips and palate.
Stomatitis is a type of mucositis, a condition defined as pain or inflammation of the mucous membrane. Mucositis is a relatively common side effect of chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy,
Types –
There are two main types of stomatitis –
• Canker Sores
These are also known as aphthous ulcers and are part of the most common cause of stomatitis. The sores are pale white or yellowish in color with a red outer ring.These are generally associated with fever.
Canker sores can develop singly or in a cluster and usually occur on the inside of the lips or cheek or on the tongue. These sores lead to acute, temporary pain. Mostly, they heal within 4-14 days. They can run in families but are not contagious.
• Cold Sores
Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled sores that usually occur on or around the lips near the edge of the mouth, also known as fever blisters.
A person may experience a tingling or burning sensation before the sore appears, as well as tenderness. Cold sores dry up and crust over with a yellow-colored scab.These are commonly associated with cold or flu-like symptoms.
Cold sores tend to last for around 5-7 days and can keep coming back. They are also very contagious.
Depending on the area of mouth affected, stomatitis can be placed in following categories –
• Cheilitis
Inflammation of the lips and around the mouth.
• Glossitis
Inflammation of the tongue.
• Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums.
• Pharyngitis
Inflammation of the back of the mouth.
Symptoms –
Some common symptoms of stomatits –
• Pain or irritation on the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue or sides of the mouth
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Ulcers, sores or blisters inside the mouth or on the lips
• Red patches in the mouth
Causes –
Stomatitis can be caused due to injury, infection, allergy or skin disease.
The most common causes are –
• viral infection, such as herpes
• yeast infection, such as thrush
• smoking on chewing tobacco
• chemotherapy treatment for cancer
• trauma from ill fitting dentures or braces
Other causes could be –
• bacterial infections
• sexually transmitted infections
• weakened or deficient immune system
• stress
• nutritional deficiencies
• irritation from strong chemicals
• allergic reactions
• burns caused by hot food and drink
• certain diseases such as Crohn’s disease, lupus etc.
• medications, including sulfa drugs, anti-epileptics and some antibiotics.
Diagnosis –
Many cases of stomatitis, especially canker sores or cold sores, can be diagnosed through a physical exam and a medical history.
In other cases, blood test or allergy testing may be necessary. In more complicated cases your doctor may take a biopsy or a skin scraping of the lesion for testing to determine the exact cause of stomatitis.
Treatment –
Mouth sores generally don’t last longer than two weeks, even without treatment.
For canker sores, the aim of treatment is to relieve discomfort and guard against infection. The following ways can be used for treatment –
• Drink more water
• Rinse mouth with salt water
• Practice proper dental care
• Apply a topical anesthetic such as lidocaine or xylocaine to the ulcer (Not recommended for children under 6)
• Use a topical corticosteroid preparation such as triamcinolone dental paste, which protects a sore inside the lip and on the gums.
• Antiviral creams for cold sores are available, they should be applied as soon as you notice the cold sore coming on
• If you have injured the inside of your mouth from braces or dentures there are wax based products that can be applied to protect the area
• Avoid food that is very spicy, acidic or very not in temperature as these may further inflame the mucous membrane
Prevention –
The basic precautions that people should try to prevent returning of stomatitis includes –
• Using an antiseptic and non-alcoholic mouthwash
• Using a soft tooth brush
• Maintaining proper nutrition and hydration
• Receiving routine dental care
Ayurvedic Perspective –
Stomatitis is a result of imbalanced Pitta, which can easily happen if you are of Pitta body type. Constipation is a major cause of pitta aggravation in the body.
Home remedies for Stomatitis –
• Apply paste of turmeric and ghee on ulcers
• Gargle for Triphala tea
• Drink coriander, fennel and cumin tea
• Make a paste using equal parts honey and coconut oil and apply it on the ulcers.
• Take some chameli (Jasmine) leaves and chew them until they resemble a paste. Hold this paste in your mouth against the sores.
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