Oral hygiene is a daily obligatory procedure for a modern person. Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth - these are two mandatory actions, the importance of which a person has known since childhood. However, not everyone understands that these manipulations are very important for he alth. If you carelessly care for the oral cavity, then serious and painful ailments can develop. We will talk about one of them below.
This article will describe in detail the prevention, symptoms and treatment of stomatitis. Photos of this disease, posted here, will help determine its presence and stage of development. What is this ailment? How can it be detected and treated in a timely manner? All this can be read in detail in this article. First, let's talk about the prevention, symptoms and treatment of stomatitis in adults. Photos of the disease will be presented below to determine the type of disease and learn about the upcoming treatment. Then we will discuss the manifestations of the disease in children.
Illness definition
What is stomatitis? It is very important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms and photos of the manifestation of the disease. According to statistics, one fifth of the world's population suffers from this disease. Almosthalf of all cases are pregnant women, which means that even born children are at risk.
How does this pathology manifest itself? It is an inflammatory process in the oral cavity, accompanied by small painful wounds on the mucous membranes. As it turns out, they don't just happen. The appearance of unpleasant sores is a kind of reaction of the body's defenses to certain stimuli.
It used to be that stomatitis was most common in children. However, this information is no longer relevant. In the modern world, not only kids, but also adults suffer from this disease. Why is this happening? You can answer the question by understanding the reasons that cause certain types of stomatitis. Photos, symptoms and other features of the disease will be presented below.
What causes it
In fact, such a painful phenomenon as stomatitis has not been fully studied by science. Therefore, the reasons for its appearance are not always clear. Most often, this disease develops when the immune system cannot recognize foreign substances that have entered the body, and has a negative effect on them in the form of immune attacks and attacks. And yet there are specific factors that are provocateurs of stomatitis in the mouth. Symptoms of such a disease can cause a lot of pain and trouble. Therefore, it is better to figure out in advance what is the cause of the disease in order to try to prevent it.
Bad habits
What comes to your mind when you hear this phrase? Most likely known to all of uswarnings that alcohol and nicotine adversely affect the human body. In the case of stomatitis, the danger from bad habits is not at all exaggerated. Smoking, alcoholism, and non-medical drug use can leave the oral mucosa susceptible to attack by unwanted bacteria.
However, the above are not all the bad habits you need to get rid of. What about good oral hygiene? Do you have a positive habit of brushing your teeth twice a day, rinsing your mouth after eating, not touching dirty surfaces with your lips (the latter primarily applies to babies, as they are very fond of tasting everything, which can provoke a painful pathology)? These helpful habits, while considered normal hygiene, can still keep you from getting mouth sores.
What we brush our teeth with
It turns out that oral hygiene products can provoke the occurrence of stomatitis. Why? The fact is that some toothpastes may contain a substance such as sodium lauryl sulfate. This component causes dehydration of the mucous membranes, as a result of which they become vulnerable to infections, viruses and even food acids that burn the oral area. Therefore, if you are predisposed to this painful ailment, pay attention to the composition of your toothpaste.
Mechanical damage
What else can provoke this unpleasant disease? Most often, the occurrence of ulcers occurs against the background of damage to the mucosa. However, herewe are not talking about specific injuries of the oral cavity that occur in the process of falling or hitting. Of course, if there are any, then they can also provoke stomatitis. However, most often the disease develops due to minor injuries caused by biting the soft tissues of the mouth, scratching them on a sharp tooth or an uneven crown. Also worth mentioning are solid foods, fish bones, and burns caused by drinking hot liquids.
The way we eat
Lack of vitamins and nutrients can cause small wounds in the mouth. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that you consume enough nutrients.
Allergic reactions
It would seem, what is the relationship between allergies and ulcers on the mucous membranes? But hypersensitivity to any products or substances can cause a weakened immune system and the body's susceptibility to harmful bacteria. Therefore, if you suspect that you have an allergy, go through a full medical examination and give up what causes you negative reactions. These can be citrus or red fruits/vegetables, dairy products, sweets, chocolate, spices, and even medicines.
Hormones and genes
It is noteworthy that, according to medical data, the hormonal changes that occur in the body of every woman can provoke painful sores in the mouth. It is believed that during the periods of childbearing and menstruation, women are most at risk of developing stomatitis.
And what aboutgenetic predisposition? Some researchers have long drawn attention to the fact that most often the disease develops in those children whose parents suffered from this disease.
Diseases and bacteria
It cannot be said that stomatitis provokes a certain virus. A large number of microbes and bacteria from the outside penetrate into the human oral cavity, and with good immunity, they do not have a negative impact on he alth. And yet, in some cases, such microorganisms can complicate the disease itself.
Can stomatitis be caused by infectious diseases of the internal organs? In some cases, parasitic infections, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, malignant tumors, and even common colds can provoke the appearance of sores in the mouth. Moreover, stomatitis is a side effect of chemotherapy given to cancer patients.
All diseases are from nerves
No matter how trite and pathetic it may sound, stress, emotional and psychological stress can cause dental wounds. This is confirmed by numerous patients with this diagnosis.
So, we got acquainted with the causes of the disease in detail. What are the first symptoms of stomatitis in adults and children?
How it manifests
The very first symptom of stomatitis in children or adults is subtle redness of the mucous membrane under the tongue, on the tonsils or palate, the inside of the lips or cheeks. Then the above areas of the oral cavity swell and begin to itch. If you do not pay attention to these, it seemedif, minor symptoms of stomatitis in an adult or child, then the disease can go into a more acute phase. At this time, small ulcers of a round or oval shape, gray or white, begin to appear. Wounds covered with a transparent film on top will have clearly defined red borders. However, the tissue around the tumors will remain the same and will look completely he althy. This is the main symptom of stomatitis in children and adults, distinguishing the disease from other ulcerative neoplasms.
What will happen next? At the second stage of the disease, the general symptoms of stomatitis in the mouth of a child and an adult can appear in a white plaque covering the tongue, palate, internal tissues of the cheeks, etc. If ulcers and abscesses appear at the site of the plaque, this indicates that the disease has passed into the third, most painful phase.
How can symptoms of stomatitis appear during this period? Large erosive areas are formed in the patient's mouth, accompanied by a general deterioration in well-being: fever, unbearable headache, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, constipation. Pain in the mouth can be unbearable, it will interfere with eating, talking, sleeping. If you do not start treatment, then the situation could turn into a disaster.
So, we got acquainted with the common symptoms of stomatitis in children and adults. Below we will talk about what types of the disease are.
Classification of disease
Since there are several varieties of the disease, the external manifestations of some of them may differ from each other. Below we list the typesand symptoms of stomatitis in adults with a photo and a detailed description. However, this information will apply to all age categories, since stomatitis in children manifests itself in almost the same way as in adults.
Aphthous stomatitis
The cause of this type of illness can be any disease of the digestive tract, rheumatism, various allergies, viral infections and even heredity. What are the symptoms of aphthous stomatitis in adults? First, gray-white sores with a diameter of no more than half a centimeter appear on the mucous membrane of the mouth, bordered by a narrow scarlet rim.
The appearance of sores can be accompanied by poor he alth, fever and, of course, pain in the affected areas.
So, we got acquainted with the symptoms of aphthous stomatitis in adults. We will learn about the treatment and other features of the disease below.
How does this type of illness manifest itself in children? The mucous membranes turn red, aphthae (small ulcers) appear, the state of he alth worsens slightly. If an infection gets into the wounds, the pain will become unbearable, the temperature will rise, the child will become irritable and weak.
Symptoms and treatment of aphthous stomatitis are closely related. Therefore, before prescribing medicines, the doctor will examine the patient and establish the correct diagnosis.
Herpetic stomatitis
From the name it is clear that the causative agent of this disease is the herpes virus. How can they get infected? Through toys, dishes and even airborne droplets. Initially, there is a sharp deteriorationwell-being: the temperature rises, lymph nodes increase, appetite disappears. Then redness appears in the mouth, the mucous membrane swells, small bubbles form in the oral cavity, which soon burst, and erosions form in their place.
Most often, herpes stomatitis occurs in children under three years of age. Toddlers become whiny, capricious, refuse to eat, their lips dry out and crack.
Candidiasis stomatitis
This fungal disease is most common in preschool children and people over sixty. Its other name is thrush, the disease occurs against the background of a weakened immune system and due to prolonged use of antibiotics. Candidiasis stomatitis is accompanied by a pronounced white coating throughout the oral cavity, itching and bleeding of mucous membranes, and an unpleasant aftertaste.
Most often this type of illness is not accompanied by fever. However, be careful! Fungal stomatitis is contagious and can be transmitted both through household and sexual intercourse.
Allergic stomatitis
This type of disease is an allergic reaction of the body to the pathogen. Among the main symptoms of stomatitis, there is a general reddening of the oral cavity, the presence of white spots on the mucous membrane, vesicles and small bleeding wounds.
Ulcerative stomatitis
A disease accompanied by an unbearable sensation of pain, aggravated by talking or eating. The disease is a consequence of diseases of the cardiovascular system, stomach ulcers, infections andpoisoning. How does this type of stomatitis manifest itself?
First of all, there is redness and swelling of the mucosa. Further, the sky, gums, tongue and lips are covered with bubbles with a transparent liquid, after which erosions merge with each other.
Wounds bleed and hurt a lot, soreness and other unpleasant symptoms appear in the throat. Poor he alth is exacerbated by fever, swollen lymph nodes and their soreness.
Other types of ailment
These include:
- Catarrhal stomatitis. It is considered the mildest form of the disease. Accompanied by painful sores covered with white bloom, swelling of the mucosa, burning sensation in the mouth. Patients refuse to eat, become irritable.
- Traumatic stomatitis. It is the result of an infection that has affected the injured oral mucosa. The second name for this type of stomatitis is bacterial.
Above were photos of the symptoms of stomatitis in children and adults. Thanks to this, it is possible to determine the type of disease even before the arrival of the doctor and to suggest what treatment is to be. Of course, only a specialist will provide the best help, so do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Therapy Methods
Above we figured out how stomatitis manifests itself. It is clear that the symptoms and treatment of stomatitis in children and adults are closely interrelated. Therefore, after the doctor has established a specific type of disease, the patient will be prescribed treatment.
Drug therapy will includedrugs listed below:
- Painkillers. Since the presence of sores in the mouth causes pain, the doctor may prescribe drugs that include strong analgesics. It doesn't have to be tablets. Many gels or pastes that cover dental wounds with a film also have a good analgesic effect. Among the high-quality anesthetics are Benzocaine, Trimecaine, Lidocaine, Kamistad, Lidoxor, Hexoral Tabs and others.
- Antibacterial drugs. Prevent secondary infection by bacteria, promote wound healing. This type of preparation can be represented by solutions for rinsing or capsules for oral administration. Among the means of the antibacterial spectrum of action, Metrogil-denta, Cholisal, Sodium tetraborate and others are especially distinguished.
- Antiviral. They are prescribed only if stomatitis was caused by a virus. Most often they are taken with aphthous or herpes form of the disease. The attending physician may recommend products based on interferon, oxolin, “Florenal ointment” and others.
- Cleansing ulcers. This is a very important type of preparation, as it helps to remove bacterial plaque from the surface of the lesions, which, in turn, contributes to their rapid healing. What are these miracle drugs? Ordinary hydrogen peroxide or carbamide.
- Regenerating agents. To restore the affected tissues, Karotolin, Solcoseryl, Vinizol and Propolis sprays, sea buckthorn and rosehip oils can be recommended.
- Anti-inflammatory anddisinfectants. Usually they are represented by products such as the above-mentioned Cholisal gel, as well as the gel-like extract of chamomile and lidocaine hydrochloride Kamistad. It is also necessary to mention the generally accepted "Chlorhexidine", furacilin, "Stomatidine" and eucalyptus-based products.
- Immunostimulating. Means that increase immunity are frequently prescribed drugs in complex therapy. They will help the body to gather strength to fight the pathological process. In some cases, the attending physician may prescribe Immudon. However, most often, patients use conventional multivitamin complexes to boost immunity.
- Lowering the temperature. Since stomatitis provokes an increase in body temperature, the patient can not do without antipyretics. These can be drugs based on ibuprofen, paracetamol, mefenomic acid.
Not all of the remedies mentioned above are suitable for the treatment of young children. Therefore, do not prescribe them to your children yourself. Show the child to the doctor, and he will prescribe him a really effective remedy that will not cause side effects and will help to overcome the painful ailment in the shortest possible time.
Traditional medicine
Is it possible to cure stomatitis with folk recipes? It is possible if this is done in the early stages of the onset of the disease, or if alternative medicine is used as an adjunct to drug therapy. However, before looking into the green first aid kit, you should consult with your doctor.
What are the recipes of traditional medicinewill be effective in the fight against painful stomatitis? Below we will discuss some of them:
Freshly squeezed juices will help get rid of small sores in the mouth. Firstly, you can rinse with carrot juice (after diluting it with water in a ratio of one to one). You can also use raw potato juice. Or apply grated potato mass to the wounds themselves for a few minutes
- Don't forget about aloe. The juice of the leaves of the plant can be used as a rinse two to three times a day. For the treatment of young children, the medicine must be slightly diluted with purified water. In general, aloe is an indispensable tool in the fight against painful ulcers. The leaves of the plant can simply be chewed slowly or lubricated with wounds. Any of the above will eliminate pain and inflammation in the shortest possible time.
- Peroxide. This tool can also be considered an alternative, as our great-grandmothers used it. So, with peroxide diluted with water, you can rinse your mouth or lubricate the wound with the resulting fluid. Try not to swallow the remedy. You can dilute peroxide with water in different proportions: either combine them in the same amount, or add a tablespoon of peroxide to a glass of liquid.
- Garlic. This natural antibiotic is an invaluable and indispensable tool in the fight against any disease of viral or infectious etiology. Mix one tablespoon of chopped garlic with one teaspoon of kefir and apply to the affected areas for several minutes. Of course the remedy willit is unpleasant to burn, but what do these inconveniences mean compared to recovery?
- Kombucha. With this drink, you can rinse your mouth five or even six times a day. The effect will be observed in two days.
- Raw eggs. How can these protein foods help? For example, you can take one protein, stir it in one hundred grams of pure water and rinse your mouth with the resulting mixture twice a day. And here is another recipe. Mix one protein with unrefined vegetable oil and honey, taken one tablespoon each. Add an ampoule of novocaine to the mixture, then keep the medicine in your mouth for a quarter of an hour. Repeat the procedure six or even eight times a day. One important tip is to wash the egg under running water and soap before eating.
- "Chlorophyllipt". Although the remedy is sold in a pharmacy, it is still considered folk, as it is an oil or alcohol solution of eucalyptus. Ten drops of the drug are dissolved in one hundred grams of water, and then the oral cavity is rinsed with the resulting liquid. For the treatment of children, an oil solution should be used.
- Onions. A medium-sized onion, finely chopped, is poured with thirty milliliters of water, brought to a boil and allowed to cool. The resulting decoction is kept in the mouth for five minutes.
- Rose jam. A very effective remedy in the fight against unfriendly stomatitis. How to use it? Rose jam should be applied to the sores on the mucosa and try to keep it in your mouth for as long as possible. Babies can lubricate the affected areas with a sweet pink liquid -the effect will be the same. Moreover, the taste of such a medicine will be very pleasant for little patients.
- Oils. Means based on rose hips, sea buckthorn, calendula are very suitable. With this oil, which is easy to purchase at any pharmacy, it is necessary to lubricate the mucous membrane in the mouth several times a day, trying to avoid getting the product into the esophagus.
We are treated with herbs
What traditional medicine does without the use of decoctions and infusions based on medicinal plants? The power of green healers has been known since time immemorial.
So, herbs: chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula, oak bark, sage, horsetail. Put together some of these components in equal proportions and pour boiling water at the rate of one tablespoon per glass of water. After the medicine has been infused for a couple of hours, you can rinse your mouth with it several times a day, regardless of food intake.
You can also take cinquefoil (shredded rhizome of the plant in the amount of one teaspoon), pour cool water, let it brew for five hours, bring to a boil and cool. You can rinse your mouth with this decoction several times a day.
The next recipe is to make a tincture. St. John's wort pour forty percent alcohol in a ratio of one to five, respectively, put in a dark place and let it brew for several days. The medicine is used orally forty to fifty drops. Or rinse your mouth with infusion, after diluting thirty drops of the product in a glass of water.
Burdock root is also consideredan effective remedy in the fight against mouth ulcers. To do this, you need burdock root and chicory grass in a ratio of two to one. First, grind the rhizome, pour two cups of boiling water and boil the remedy for forty minutes. Then add chicory and switch off. We insist the broth for an hour, filter and rinse our mouth several times a day.
As you can see, the treatment of stomatitis does not require any complex or expensive drugs. Everything is simple and elementary.
Prevention
We got acquainted with the features of the disease in adults and children. Symptoms, treatment and photos of stomatitis were also presented. But how can you protect yourself from this disease? Let's find out.
Firstly, it is important to monitor your immunity. After all, stomatitis is formed when the body is weakened and unable to fight the infection.
Secondly, do not forget to follow the basic rules of hygiene. Brushing your teeth, rinsing after eating has never hurt anyone.
Third, take care of yourself. Do not get cold, try not to worry, eat he althy whole foods. All this will make your body stronger and he althier, which means that no ailments can overshadow your life.
And of course, see a doctor on time. At the first symptoms of stomatitis, consult a specialist, follow his recommendations - and then you can cure the disease at the earliest stage.
