Stomatitis is a condition that creates sore and inflamed mouth tissue. These sores can appear in your cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and roof of your mouth. Stomatitis can cause discomfort and pain, making it tough to eat, drink, or speak.

There are several forms of stomatitis, each with its signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Types of Stomatitis

Stomatitis has several types, each with its causes and symptoms. Here are the different types of stomatitis:.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are the most frequent type of stomatitis. They appear as white or yellowish round lesions with red borders. These sores can develop anywhere inside your mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, and gums.

They can be painful and uncomfortable, but they are not contagious.

Herpetic Stomatitis

Herpetic stomatitis is an oral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can cause redness and swelling in the mouth, ulcers, and blisters. This type of stomatitis is highly contagious.

Angular Cheilitis Stomatitis

Angular cheilitis stomatitis causes sores in the corners of the mouth, resulting from a bacterial or fungal infection. It can cause swelling, redness, and fissures in the corners of the mouth.

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease stomatitis is a viral infection that mainly affects children under the age of 10. It causes rashes on the hands, feet, and mouth, as well as sores that affect the cheeks and tongue, causing discomfort and pain.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that causes white lesions in the mouth and tongue, making it hard to swallow or eat anything. It can occur due to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the mouth.

Symptoms of Stomatitis

The symptoms of stomatitis depend on the type of stomatitis and its severity. The following are the general symptoms of stomatitis:.

Mouth sores or ulcers
Pain or discomfort in the mouth
Burning and tingling sensation around the mouth
Red or swollen gums
Blisters or lesions in the mouth
Inability to eat or drink due to pain or discomfort
Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
Fever
Headache

Causes of Stomatitis

There are various causes of stomatitis, including:.

Viral infections like the herpes virus (HSV-1) or the Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD)
Bacterial infection
Fungal infections like Oral thrush
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Autoimmune disorders
Dental procedures
Nutrition imbalances, including deficiencies in vitamins B12, folate, and iron
Allergies to certain foods or medications
A weak immune system
Dry mouth

Treatments for Stomatitis

The treatment for stomatitis depends on its underlying cause. Here are some of the treatments:.

Antibiotics

If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat stomatitis.

Antifungal Medications

Your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to treat fungal infections like oral thrush.

Antiviral Medications

If you have a viral infection, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir to treat stomatitis.

Mouthwash or Rinses

Using mouthwash or rinses can help to ease the discomfort and pain caused by stomatitis. They may provide temporary relief from pain by numbing the mouth.

Pain Medication

If the pain is severe, your doctor may recommend pain medication to help manage the pain.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies can help to ease the discomfort caused by stomatitis.

Here are some of the home remedies for stomatitis:.

Applying a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to mouth sores
Applying an ice cube to the sores
Applying a baking soda-and-water paste to mouth sores
Gargling with saltwater
Drinking chamomile tea

Prevention of Stomatitis

Several preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing stomatitis. Here are some of the preventive measures:.

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices
Avoiding touching your mouth with unclean hands
Following a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and foods with a good source of vitamins and minerals
Avoiding smoking and using tobacco
Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
Keeping stress levels low to maintain a healthy immune system
Regular dental checkups to detect gum and mouth problems early

Conclusion

Stomatitis is a condition that can cause discomfort and pain in your mouth. The symptoms, causes, and treatment options may differ based on the type of stomatitis.

There are many effective treatments, and preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of developing stomatitis. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of stomatitis, it’s best to get evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause.