Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa that can cause pain, redness, blisters, ulcers, and bleeding. It can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth.
Stomatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, such as viral or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders, medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Types of mouth ulcers
There are several types of stomatitis, including:
Aphthous stomatitis: caused by a viral infection and characterized by painful ulcers or sores in the oral area.
Herpetic stomatitis: caused by the herpes simplex virus and characterized by painful blisters in the mouth.
Drug-induced stomatitis: caused by the use of certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cancer drugs.
Radiation stomatitis: caused by radiation therapy and characterized by irritation, redness, and pain in the mouth.
How is stomatitis treated?
Treatment of stomatitis varies depending on the underlying cause of the inflammation. Some of the treatments that can help relieve symptoms include:
Hydration: Keeping the mouth hydrated is important to relieve dryness and pain, so it is advisable to drink water regularly and use a mild mouthwash if necessary.
Analgesics: In some cases, over-the-counter analgesics, such as paracetamol or metamizole, can help relieve pain.
Avoid acidic or hot foods and drinks: These can aggravate inflammation and pain.
Avoid smoking and alcohol: These can aggravate inflammation and increase the risk of complications.
Apply ointments or creams: Topical steroid ointments or creams can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Specialists can prescribe ointments or pastes, which help repair mouth sores, and ointments with lidocaine, which help relieve pain.
In addition, it is important to note:
In case of stomatitis caused by an infection, you may be prescribed an antibiotic and antiviral to treat the underlying infection.
If it is caused by an allergic reaction or an autoimmune disorder, you may need to avoid the trigger and treat the underlying cause.
If it is caused by medication, the medication may need to be changed or the dose reduced.
And if it is caused by radiotherapy or chemotherapy, it is important to follow your medical team’s instructions and use specific products to alleviate symptoms.
Why choose Quality Dent?
At Quality Dent Sabinillas Dental Clinic, we work on prevention, stopping and curing stomatitis. We offer a team of professionals specializing in oral health, who can assess your problem in order to administer appropriate treatment and alleviate those annoying and painful canker sores.
