Stomatitis

Stomatitis is characterized by the open sore in or around the mouth. It usually presents with pain and discomfort. Other associated signs and symptoms are [7]:

• Bad breath
• Burning or tingling in the mouth
• Dysphagia
• Drooling
• Fever, sometimes as high as 38.3 to 40°C (101 to 104°F)
• Pain in and around the affected area
• Restlessness or irritability
• Swollen gums

Due to the characteristics of the open sores associated with stomatitis, the disorder can usually be diagnosed clinically [8]. Laboratory tests are usually not needed to confirm a diagnosis, but during a workup cultures or blood tests may be done in order to rule out any other condition and to find the etiologic factors behind the disorder. 

Each treatment plan is fully dependent on the type of stomatitis the person is suffering from [9]. Generally, the condition will resolve on it own, but lifestyle recommendations for the patient may be useful. For example improved oral hygiene including a professional cleaning. The patient should also be told to stay away from sharp-edged or acidic foods while the sores are present. Switching to a softer tooth brush may also be recommended.

If the stomatitis has been caused by irritation from braces, jagged teeth, ill-fitting orthodontia or from chronic mouth breathing, those specific factors might need to be addressed by the appropriate medical professional. Alcohol and tobacco use should be avoided.For pain relieve, acetaminophen is usually recommended. Depending on the cause, several other medications may be used to treat stomatitis. 

Most stomatitis ulcerations are considered to be benign and will resolve themselves without any medical treatment, but the prognosis for stomatitis can vary depending on the type [6].

Aphthous stomatitis usually lasts for a few days and causes rarely complications. Herpes stomatitis, usually takes around 10 days to clear up without any medical treatment, but an oral acyclovir can speed up the recovery time and help with some of the discomfort. In general, neither form of stomatitis poses a significant health risk to the patient, if the underlying etiology if necessary is treated.

There are various factors responsible for the appearance of stomatitis including irritation from braces, jagged teeth harming the soft tissue, cheek biting, and other similar causes [2]. Herpes stomatitis is a direct result of the herpes simplex virus type 1. Aphthous stomatitis has unclear etiologic factors but theories include a predisposition which is associated to a person’s immune system of triggers such as stress or certain deficiencies like a lack of iron, B12, or folic acid. Other viral infections, notrition, smoking, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, menstruation in women, and food allergies are also thought to be linked to stomatitis [3].

Stomatitis, in general, is reported across the world and has a prevalence rate ranging from around 2 percent to 66 percent. It can occur at any age but there are certain variations of the ailment that appear at different stages of a person’s life [4].

Aphthous stomatitis usually affects children and adults and is seen most often in people between the ages of 10 and 19 years of age. Herpes stomatitis is seen more so in children between the ages of one and two and is considered possible anywhere between the ages of six-months-old and five-years-old.

According to research, children from a higher socioeconomic level are more commonly affected by stomatitis than children living in lower socioeconomic groups.

The pathophysiology of the disorder depends on the underlying etiology. Stomatitis initially usually causes erythema of the mucous membrane of the mouth, further developing into open ulcers and fissures [5]. The condition can occur as a single sore or they can appear in clusters. The lesions on examination usually have a yellow or white color at the center coupled with a fibrous texture. The border of the sores is erythematous.

Stomatitis can be prevented if it occurs due to an outside irritant. Improved oral hygiene, better eating habits, and regular dental check-ups can help prevent stomatitis [10].

In order to prevent aphthous stomatitis, it is recommended to avoid any mouth trauma like biting the cheeks or burning the mouth with hot food or drinks. Herpes stomatitis isn’t considered to be preventable since it is due to the herpes simplex virus which can be transmitted from an infected person even when they show no signs of the disorder.

Stomatitis occurs when the soft tissue lining in the mouth becomes inflamed causing redness, swelling, and often times pain [1]. The may have various etioligies, two common forms are aphthous stomatitis and herpes stomatitis due to the herpes simplex virus. 

Stomatitis can occur at any point in a person’s life but is seen more often in children and adolescents. It is associated with poor oral hygiene, side effects of certain medications, infections, allergic reactions, or it may occur as the result of burns from hot food or liquids.

Stomatitis refers to the open sores that can occur on the soft tissue inside the mouth. They are not considered to be contagious and can usually resolve themselves without medical treatment. There are several forms of the ailment, herpes stomatitis and aphthous stomatitis being common ones. Each form has its own causes and prognoses. Note, stomatitis is different than cold sores.

The sores can be painful or cause discomfort during eating and swallowing, but there are no dangers posed from the ailment. The disorder can affect anyone at any stage in life but is most commonly seen in children and adolescents.

If a patient notices that their sores haven’t resolved themselves after two weeks, medical treatment should be sought.

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