Stomatitis

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Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth, which can affect the cheeks, gums, inside of the lips, or on the tongue. May present with or without sores.

Causes     

• Trauma to the mouth
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Nutritional deficiencies and Infection
• Allergic reaction
• Radiotherapy

Signs and symptoms

• Mouth ulcers with a white or yellow layer and red base, usually inside the lips, cheek, or on the tongue
• Swelling and bleeding gums
• Blisters and painful sores
• Red patches
• Oral dysesthesia- a burning feeling in the mouth

Investigations

• Physical examination
• Swabs, both bacterial and viral
• Tissue scrapings or swab for fungal infections
• Biopsy
• Blood tests
• Patch test to identify allergy

Treatment objectives

• Relieve pain
• Promote rapid healing of the mouth
• Reduce inflammation

Non-pharmacological treatment

• Give nutritional diet if the cause is as a result of specific nutritional deficiency
• Mouthwash or saline rinse to clean the mouth
• Eliminate causes of allergy
• Drink more water

Pharmacological treatment

• Apply topical anaesthetic such as lidocaine or xylocaine to the ulcer (not recommended for children under 6 years)
• Use of topical corticosteroid preparations such as triamcinolone dental paste
• For viral infections: Take a dose of valacyclovir at the first sign of an attack, coat the lesions with 5% acyclovir ointment
• Use of topical antibiotic gel
• Pain reliever

Prevention

• Take nutritional supplements such as Folate, vitamins, B-6, and B-12.
• Practice good oral hygiene