Spices are a common ingredient in almost every cuisine. They add flavor and aroma to dishes and take them to a whole new level. However, some spices can cause discomfort and even pain when consumed in large amounts or directly.

One such spice is capsaicin, found in chili peppers that can cause a condition called stomatitis. Stomatitis is a painful inflammation of the mouth’s mucous membranes caused by irritants such as spicy foods, medications, or chemicals. In this article, we will discuss stomatitis and how capsaicin can affect your oral health.

What is Stomatitis?

Stomatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the lining of the mouth, gums, and throat. It can range from mild to severe and is characterized by painful red sores, ulcers, or blisters. The most common types of stomatitis are:.

Herpetiform stomatitis: A rare type that causes small, painful ulcers that can occur anywhere in the mouth and last for several weeks.
Aphthous stomatitis: Also known as canker sores, they are small, round, white or yellow ulcers that can occur on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue. They are common and typically last for seven to ten days.
Erythema multiforme: Causes red, painful patches on the skin and mucous membranes and can occur on the lips, mouth, and tongue.

Stomatitis can happen due to several reasons such as viral infections, bacterial infections, impaired immune system, fungal infections, irritants like tobacco, alcohol, spicy foods, or accidental burns due to hot drinks or foods.

Certain medications can also cause stomatitis as a side effect.

What is Capsaicin and How Does it Affect Your Mouth?

Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers that gives them their distinct spicy flavor and heat. It is used in several cuisines worldwide, including Mexican, Indian, and Chinese.

Capsaicin is also used in topical pain relief creams as it can help reduce inflammation and pain.

When consumed, capsaicin can cause oral discomfort and even pain, especially if consumed in large amounts or directly.

It can cause a burning sensation, which can lead to inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and stomach.

Capsaicin triggers heat receptors in the mouth, which release substance P, a neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain. This is why eating spicy foods can cause a burning sensation in your mouth and make your eyes water.

Does Capsaicin Cause Stomatitis?

Capsaicin can cause stomatitis, especially if consumed in large amounts or directly. Spicy foods like chili peppers, hot sauce, and curry can cause irritation and inflammation of the mouth’s mucous membranes, leading to painful sores and ulcers.

This is more likely to happen if you have a sensitivity or allergy to capsaicin or other spicy foods, smoke tobacco, have a weakened immune system, or have chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Some studies have found that consuming spicy foods can also lead to an increased risk of oral cancer, although the connection is not entirely clear.

The theory is that capsaicin can damage the DNA in the cells lining the mouth, leading to mutations that can potentially cause cancer.

How to Reduce Discomfort and Pain from Capsaicin?

If you experience discomfort or pain from consuming capsaicin, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the symptoms:.

Drink milk or eat yogurt: Milk contains casein, a protein that binds to capsaicin and helps neutralize the burning sensation. Yogurt contains probiotics that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the mucous membranes.
Try an antacid: Antacids like Maalox or Mylanta neutralize the acidity in the stomach, reducing the effects of capsaicin.
Use a topical cream: Over-the-counter creams like Zostrix or Capzasin contain capsaicin and can be applied topically to help alleviate pain and inflammation. However, be sure to read the instructions carefully and avoid applying them to open sores or wounds.
Rinse with saltwater: Saltwater can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the mucous membranes.
Avoid spicy foods: If you have a sensitivity or allergy to capsaicin or other spicy foods, it is best to avoid them altogether.

Conclusion

Spices are a common ingredient in almost every cuisine. However, some spices like capsaicin can cause stomatitis, a painful inflammation of the mouth’s mucous membranes.

Capsaicin triggers heat receptors in the mouth, which release substance P, a neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain, causing a burning sensation and irritation.

Certain medications can also cause stomatitis as a side effect.

If you experience discomfort or pain from consuming capsaicin, there are a few things you can do to alleviate the symptoms, including drinking milk, trying an antacid, using a topical cream, rinsing with saltwater, or avoiding spicy foods altogether.