All about stomatitis – causes, treatment and prevention in adults and children

Stomatitis is often perceived as a minor discomfort, and its causes and potential consequences are overlooked. As a result, treatment is either delayed or limited to superficial measures that relieve symptoms but don’t eliminate the source of the inflammation.

In fact, stomatitis is the body’s signal that there are problems in the oral cavity or overall health. Without the right approach, it can recur, becoming chronic and causing increasingly severe discomfort.

To effectively manage this condition and prevent recurrences, it’s important to understand what causes stomatitis, how it develops, and which treatments are truly effective. In this article, we’ll cover all of this in detail.

What is stomatitis?

Stomatitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Simply put, stomatitis is inflammation that affects the gums, cheeks, tongue, lips, and sometimes the throat.

There are several common types of stomatitis. Each type has its own characteristics. In clinical practice, symptoms of stomatitis are distinguished by their causes and manifestations.

• Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common forms. It manifests as a painful ulcer with a white coating. These are often recurrent mouth ulcers. In severe cases, recurrent aphthous stomatitis develops, a chronic form of stomatitis.
• Subprosthetic stomatitis occurs under dentures. It is often associated with poor hygiene and can progress to candidal stomatitis.
• Herpetic stomatitis is a viral stomatitis caused by the herpes virus. In fact, herpetic stomatitis is caused by herpesvirus reactivation in a weakened immune system.
• Angular stomatitis affects the corners of the mouth. It is often associated with bacterial stomatitis and fungal infections.
• Catarrhal stomatitis — a mild, superficial inflammation without ulcer formation. It is usually accompanied by redness and swelling of the mucosa.
• Ulcerative stomatitis — a more severe form characterized by deeper lesions of the oral mucosa. It may be accompanied by pain, bad breath, and general weakness.
• Candidal stomatitis — a fungal form caused by Candida species. It is typically associated with a white coating, burning sensation, and discomfort in the mouth.
• Allergic stomatitis — develops as a reaction to medications, food, or dental materials, including prostheses.

Symptoms of Stomatitis in Adults and Children

The symptoms of stomatitis can vary significantly depending on the type of the disease, its cause, and the patient’s age. However, there are typical signs that allow one to suspect the inflammatory process at an early stage.

Main symptoms of stomatitis include:

• Redness and swelling of the mucous membrane, a burning sensation.
• Appearance of painful ulcerative lesions of varying sizes.
• It causes severe discomfort that requires oral pain relief.
• Increased pain during eating, especially with hot, acidic, or spicy foods.
• Bad breath.
• Increased sensitivity of the gums and soft tissues.
• General malaise: weakness, fatigue, and sometimes fever.

Stomatitis in children usually has a more acute course and is accompanied by more pronounced symptoms. This is due to the immaturity of the immune system and the high sensitivity of the mucous membrane.

The most typical symptoms are:

• Severe irritability and tearfulness.
• Refusal to eat or even drink due to pain.
• Excessive salivation.
• Visible sores in the mouth that the child may constantly touch with their tongue.
• Redness and swelling of the mucous membrane.
• Fever.
• Sleep disturbances due to constant discomfort.

Causes of Stomatitis

The development of stomatitis is rarely associated with a single, specific cause. It’s most often the result of a combination of factors. Therefore, the cause of stomatitis is usually not a single factor, but several. Generally, stomatitis is caused by the mucous membrane becoming more vulnerable, leading to inflammation.

The main causes include:

• A virus, such as the herpes virus, which often causes rashes and painful ulcers.
• Bacterial stomatitis, caused by bacterial overgrowth.
• Candidal stomatitis, associated with a fungal infection, especially when the immune system is weakened.

There are also additional causes that do not always cause stomatitis in themselves, but greatly increase the likelihood of its occurrence. These factors include:

• Poor oral hygiene.
• Insufficient dental care (e.g., cavities and plaque).
• Wearing ill-fitting or ill-fitting dentures.
• Mechanical trauma to the mucous membrane (biting the cheek, tongue, or scratches).
• Allergic reaction to food or medications.
• Weakened immunity.
• Hormonal changes in the body.
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• Taking certain medications (e.g., antibiotics).
• Severe dehydration.
• Parasitic infections (helminths).
• Digestive diseases.

All these factors increase the risk and make the body more vulnerable to inflammation.

Diagnosis of Stomatitis

At Dynasty Stomatology, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing stomatitis. Diagnosis of stomatitis typically begins with an oral examination and collecting the patient’s complaints. The doctor asks when the symptoms began, how severe the pain is, and whether similar episodes have occurred before.

During the examination, the specialist assesses the membrane of the oral cavity condition, paying attention to the location of lesions, their size, number, and appearance. It is also important to determine the cause of the disease, as this directly impacts further treatment.

In most cases, stomatitis is diagnosed visually, without complex examinations. However, in cases of frequent recurrences or severe cases, the doctor may prescribe additional tests, such as a mucosal swab or examinations to identify concomitant diseases.

Treatment for Common Forms of Stomatitis

Modern stomatitis treatment is aimed at eliminating unpleasant symptoms and, most importantly, addressing the underlying cause of the disease. This is important because without eliminating the trigger, inflammation can recur. Therefore, treatment is always tailored individually, taking into account the type of stomatitis, its severity, and the patient’s overall condition.

A personalized treatment plan typically includes:

• Antiviral treatment for stomatitis — used for viral infections, such as herpes, and aimed at suppressing viral activity.
• Antifungal treatment for oral infection — used for fungal infections, such as candidiasis, and helps eliminate oral infections.
• Oral inflammation treatment — aimed at reducing redness, swelling, and other signs of inflammation.
• Mouth sore treatment — helps reduce pain and make eating easier.
• Accelerated healing of oral ulcers — promotes faster recovery of the mucous membrane.

Additionally, the doctor will evaluate and eliminate factors that could have led to the development of stomatitis, such as hygiene problems, mucous membrane injuries, dental disease, or poorly fitting dentures. If necessary, immune support medications are prescribed, and nutritional adjustments are made

Prevention of Stomatitis

Preventing stomatitis is important, especially for people who have already experienced this condition. Proper oral hygiene and a strong focus on personal health can help prevent its recurrence. Prevention consists of simple but regular actions aimed at maintaining mucosal health and eliminating risk factors.

Prevention of stomatitis includes:

• Regular oral hygiene — brushing your teeth daily, using appropriate hygiene products, and gentle care of the mucous membrane.
• Dentist visits — to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums and promptly identify potential problems.
• Monitor your diet — a balanced diet helps maintain healthy mucous membranes and prevents vitamin deficiencies.
• Avoid mucous membrane trauma — avoid biting your cheeks and tongue, and monitor the condition of your teeth and dentures.
• Promptly treat dental and internal diseases — especially gastrointestinal problems and chronic infections.
• Strengthen your immune system — maintain your overall health, as weakened immune defenses often trigger stomatitis.

All these measures help reduce the risk of stomatitis and maintain long-term oral health.

Treatment of Stomatitis – Conclusion

Stomatitis occurs in people of all ages. It can occur in both children and adults, although the symptoms and course of the disease can vary significantly.

It is often believed that stomatitis is a harmless and temporary condition that resolves on its own. However, in reality, it can cause significant discomfort, interfere with eating and speaking, and, if left untreated, become chronic and recur regularly.

With the right approach, stomatitis can be quickly cured, and effective treatment can be achieved, addressing the underlying cause and preventing relapses. It’s important not only to relieve symptoms but also to focus on comprehensive diagnostics and treatment selection.

FAQs about Stomatitis

• What areas are involved?

  Stomatitis can affect various parts of the oral cavity: the cheeks, tongue, lips, and gums. This is because stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that covers the entire oral cavity. In some cases, the inflammation spreads more widely, causing significant discomfort.

• How is stomatitis diagnosed?

  Proper diagnosis and treatment begin with a doctor's examination and analysis of the patient's complaints. The specialist evaluates the appearance of the mucosa, the nature of the lesions, and possible oral ulcer causes. In most cases, this is sufficient, but sometimes additional tests are prescribed.

• How is stomatitis treated?

  To effectively treat stomatitis, it's important to consider its cause and type. Various treatment methods are typically used, including topical agents and medications to relieve inflammation and pain. The approach is always individualized, as treatment of stomatitis depends on the specific case.

• What can I expect if I have stomatitis?

  A typical case of stomatitis involves painful ulcers, redness, and a burning sensation in the mouth. The condition can cause pain when eating and talking, causing significant discomfort. Sometimes, general well-being also worsens.

• Why is stomatitis in the mouth dangerous?

  Stomatitis can cause serious discomfort and complications. In some cases, it may be associated with other conditions, as stomatitis may be associated with immune or gastrointestinal disorders. If prolonged, inflammation intensifies.

• What negative consequences can stomatitis lead to?

  Without treatment, stomatitis can become chronic. In such situations, stomatitis can develop, impairing quality of life. Stomatitis can lead to widespread inflammation and increased pain. In rare cases, complications are possible, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

• Can oral mucositis be prevented?

  Yes, in most cases, stomatitis is preventable. It's important to understand that stomatitis may develop due to a combination of factors. Regular hygiene, proper nutrition, and health monitoring can help reduce the risk.

• Can poor oral hygiene cause stomatitis?

  Yes, poor hygiene is one of the common causes of stomatitis. Bacterial buildup increases inflammation of the oral tissues. As a result, the mucous membrane becomes more vulnerable. This increases the risk of ulcers and inflammation.

• How can good oral hygiene help prevent stomatitis?

  Proper oral hygiene reduces bacteria levels and decreases the risk of inflammation. This helps prevent many oral ulcer causes. Regular hygiene is especially important, as stomatitis is often associated with local irritants. This maintains mucosal health in the long term.

• Should I continue brushing if I have stomatitis?

  Yes, but you need to do it carefully. Even if the inflammation is present, it's important to maintain cleanliness to avoid worsening the condition. Use a soft brush and avoid damaging the mucous membrane.

• When should I see a doctor or dentist for stomatitis?

  You should consult a doctor if symptoms persist for several days or worsen. This is important, as it's not always possible to manage them on your own. This is especially true if you're dealing with stomatitis in a child or if the condition is severe.

Take Care of Your Oral Health Today

If you notice discomfort, unusual sensitivity, or early changes in your mouth, it’s the right moment to consult a specialist — before any symptoms have a chance to develop further. Early attention to your oral health is always easier than addressing problems after they appear.

At Dynasty Stomatology, we’ll help you understand what may be affecting your oral health and provide personalized recommendations to keep your mouth healthy. We approach every patient with care, taking into account your individual circumstances and making your consultation as comfortable and informative as possible.

Author of the article

, Implantologist , Surgeon

Kostiantyn Danyliuk

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