Stomatitis: symptoms, causes, treatment and more

Definition

What is stomatitis?

Stomatitis is inflammation in the form of swelling or redness which can generally be found in the mouth. Inflammation can appear on the cheeks, gums, inside of the lips, or on the tongue.

This disease usually affects the smooth membrane that lines the mouth and produces mucus (mucosa). This mucus is useful for protecting the body's digestive system, from the mouth to the anus.

Stomatitis is a type of mucositis, a condition in which inflammation occurs in the mucous membrane. Mucositis is generally a side effect of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

If it is caused by the herpes virus (oral herpes) it is called herpes stomatitis. Meanwhile, if the cause is unknown, it is called aphthous stomatitis (canker sores).

Sores from inflammation that appear in the mouth can cause difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing.

How common is stomatitis?

Stomatitis is a fairly common condition. This disease can occur in individuals of various age groups.

However, generally sufferers begin to show symptoms at the age of 10 to 19 years. The severity and frequency of appearance will increase after the patient is aged 30 or 40 years and over. The symptoms usually lessen with age.

It is estimated that there are about 2-66% of the world's population who experience this disease. In addition, this condition is more common in women and girls than men and boys.

This disease can be overcome by recognizing what risk factors you have. To find out more information about this disease, you can consult directly with a doctor.

Type

What are the different types of stomatitis?

In general, stomatitis is a disease that can be divided into two types, namely aphthous stomatitis and herpetic stomatitis. This division is based on the symptoms and causes. Here's the explanation.

1. Aphthous stomatitis

This type is the most common and has the highest incidence rate. This type of stomatitis is a canker sores that can be found on the inside of the cheeks, gums, the inside of the lips, or the tongue. This condition is more common in children and young people aged 10-19 years.

This condition is not caused by a virus and is not transmitted from person to person. Generally, the main trigger for this condition is poor hygiene or damage to the mucous membrane.

In addition, this condition can also be associated with a problematic immune system. Medicines, nutritional deficiencies, and consumption of certain foods can also trigger canker sores. Fortunately, this condition does not affect the sufferer's overall health.

This type can be further divided into 3 subtypes, namely:

• Aftosa minor (Miculiz's aphthae), occurs in 80% of cases of this condition
• Aphthous major (necrotic mucosal periadenitis), is found in 10-15% of cases
• Herpetiform ulceration

2. Herpetic stomatitis

Unlike the type of aphthose, this type is caused by infection with the herpes simplex 1 or HSV-1 virus. This virus is different from the virus that causes genital herpes, namely the HSV-2 virus.

Herpetic stomatitis is a condition that has another name cold sore or fever blister. Its appearance is more commonly found around the lips. Thrush is rarely found on the gums or the inside of the mouth.

Canker sores that appear generally look like they are filled with fluid. This condition lasts for 5 to 7 days. Unlike the type of aphthose, this condition can be transmitted easily from one patient to another.

Apart from the two types above, stomatitis can also be divided into 4 categories, depending on which part of the mouth is affected:

• Cheilitis: inflammation of the lips and around the mouth.
• Glossitis: inflammation of the tongue.
• Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums.
• Pharyngitis: inflammation in the back of the mouth.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of stomatitis?

Stomatitis is a condition that commonly causes pain, fever, fatigue, headaches, and loss of appetite. Usually, sufferers have one or more small sores on the lips, gums, tongue, or the inside of the cheeks.

The sores look red and can be painful, burning, or itchy. Pain when eating and swallowing. Sometimes, sufferers also have bad breath (halitosis). The severity and duration of symptoms depend on the type suffered.

1. Aphthous stomatitis

The following are the symptoms that appear if you suffer from oral inflammation of the type of aphthosa:

• There is pain
• Canker sores are circular in shape with red stripes, with a white or yellow color in the center
• Lasts for 5 to 10 days
• Can reappear at a later time

2. Herpetic stomatitis

Slightly different from the type of aphthose, here are the signs and symptoms that may arise if you suffer from oral inflammation due to the herpes virus:

• Fever up to 40 degrees Celsius
• The fever appears a few days before the sores appear
• Difficulty swallowing
• Cannot drink and eat normally
• Swelling of the gums
• Pain
• Excessive saliva production
• Bad breath
• Dehydration

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Generally, stomatitis is a condition that can go away on its own without requiring special medical treatment. However, you should contact your doctor if you experience symptoms such as the following:

• There is a large enough sore in the mouth
• The wound usually occurs several times in the same area or the wound oozes pus
• The wound does not heal for 2 weeks or longer
• The sores spread to the outside of the lips
• Unable to eat or drink due to pain
• Has high heat (above 38 degrees Celsius)

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To get the right treatment and according to your condition, always check with your doctor or the nearest health service center.

Cause

What causes stomatitis?

In some cases, the cause of stomatitis is not known with certainty. However, it can be ascertained that this disease arises due to several factors, ranging from certain drugs to the food consumed.

In the herpes type, the main cause is the herpes simplex virus or HSV. Children are more susceptible to this condition if exposed to the virus. Transmission is also easier from one person to another.

The following are the most common causes of stomatitis:

• Trauma during braces
• Accidentally biting the inside of the cheek, tongue, or lips
• Have had oral surgery
• Herpes virus infection
• Yeast infection
• Undergo cancer chemotherapy
• Suffering from xerostomia or dry mouth

Other causes include:

• Allergic reactions
• Weakened immune system
• Bacterial infection
• Chemical irritation
• Stress
• Suffering from certain diseases
• Smoke
• Tooth disease
• Lack of vitamins and nutrients
• Medicines such as antibiotics
• The tongue burns from eating and drinking too hot

Risk factors

What increases the risk of developing stomatitis?

Stomatitis is a condition that can occur in anyone, from various age groups and racial groups. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this condition.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely experience this condition. It is possible that people who do not have any of the risk factors will still suffer from inflammation in their mouth.

The following are the risk factors for this condition:

1. Age

The incidence of this disease is more common in individuals aged 10 to 19 years. So, you are more susceptible to this disease if you fall into that age range.

2. Accidentally injuring the inside of the mouth

Small sores in the mouth can appear if you accidentally injure your mouth. This can happen if you brush your teeth too hard, do sports activities, or accidentally bite the inside of your cheek.

3. Suffering from oral infections, such as gingivitis

Having gingivitis is one of the strongest risk factors for suffering from stomatitis. Infection of the mouth can be caused by various pathogens, one of which is Helicobacter pylori.

4. Changes in body hormones

It is suspected that there is a link between changes in female hormones during the menstrual cycle and the appearance of oral thrush or inflammation. This also causes stomatitis to be more common in female patients, especially in pregnant women.

5. Genetic

Hereditary or genetic factors are strongly suspected of influencing the emergence of this disease. As many as 40% of cases of stomatitis have a relationship with a family medical history. This means that there are also family members of the sufferer who have also experienced this condition.

6. Suffering from autoimmune diseases

If you have a history of diseases that cause the body's immune system to suffer, such as lupus and Crohn's disease, your chances of suffering from this condition are greater.

7. Have allergies to certain foods

Some foods can trigger allergies in the mouth so that canker sores can form. In addition, eating foods such as chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, and foods that are sour or spicy can potentially irritate the mouth.

8. Take drugs or undergo certain therapies

Antibiotic drugs and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can also increase a person's risk for developing this condition.

9. Smoking

Cigarettes can harm your overall health, including your oral health. Therefore, smoking can increase your chances of suffering from this condition.

If you don't have the risk factors above, it doesn't mean you don't have this disease. These factors are for reference only. We recommend that you consult your doctor for further details.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the usual tests to diagnose stomatitis?

Stomatitis is generally a condition that can be diagnosed quickly. The doctor will diagnose by examining the mouth. The doctor will also take a sample from your mouth to be examined under a microscope.

This test will show the yeast infection that's causing the stomatitis. If the cause is unclear or treatment does not work, a biopsy will be performed.

A biopsy is done by taking a small sample of the wound for examination under a microscope. Blood tests are not necessary but can be done if the case gets worse.

What are the treatment options for stomatitis?

Treatment depends on the type of disease you have. Here's the explanation:

1. Treatment of aphthous stomatitis

Types of aphthose are generally harmless, have a low severity, and do not require any treatment. However, if the pain persists and the canker sores get bigger, the doctor will prescribe a benzocaine cream (Anbesol, Zilactin-B) to relieve pain.

For more severe cases of thrush, the doctor will prescribe drugs such as cimetidine (Tagamet), colchicine, or steroid drugs. The doctor may also eradicate canker sores with debacterol or silver nitrate.

2. Treatment of herpetic stomatitis

To deal with a virus that infects the mouth, the doctor will give the antiviral drug acyclovir (Zovirax). This medication can help shorten the duration of the infection.

Dehydration is also a complication that often occurs in children. If you have children suffering from this condition, make sure the child's fluid needs are still met. Your doctor may also prescribe acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve fever and pain.

For inflammatory wounds that are severe enough and cause excruciating pain, the doctor will prescribe lidocaine to be topped (AneCream, RectiCare, LMX 4, LMS 5, RectaSmoothe). This medicine may cause numbness in the mouth.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat stomatitis?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with stomatitis:

• Use a good mouth cleaning product. Brush your teeth, clean them with dental floss (dental floss), and clean the tongue after eating. Also use a soft toothbrush.
• Avoid foods with rough textures such as nuts, popcorn, and potato chips.
• Remove your dentures at night. Adjust your dentures to better match the shape of your mouth.
• Avoid mouthwash that is too strong, but wash your mouth well, especially before bed.
• Do not smoke.
• Don't eat foods that contain citrus or anything that is spicy or acidic.