Knowing the causes of stomatitis, you can protect yourself from this extremely unpleasant disease. The he alth problem itself is extremely common, which is explained by several factors at once - both the way of life, the habits of many people, and the weakness of the immune system, and pathological agents. Consider what is usually denoted by the term "stomatitis", where it comes from and how you can deal with trouble.
General information
Before analyzing the causes of stomatitis, you need to clearly articulate what this disease is. The term is currently used to denote such a pathological condition when the oral mucosa is covered with small ulcers. A variety of factors can provoke this, but most often - infection with an infectious agent:
- fungus;
- virus;
- bacteria.
To successfully cope with the problem, it is necessary to begin the treatment program by identifying the causes of stomatitis for a particular case. By fixing the source of the problem, you can returnhuman he alth. It should be remembered that relapses are characteristic of stomatitis, which means that prevention will have to be carried out to prevent the recurrence of the problem.
Description of disease
Since there are a lot of causes of stomatitis, almost any modern person faces the factors that provoke the disease. It is equally characteristic of all ages and genders, nationalities. Medical statistics say that stomatitis in various forms at least once occurred in the predominant percentage of the world's population.
Currently, it has not been possible to identify exactly what is the mechanism for the development of stomatitis. As a rule, the cause is a specific response of the human immune system to some irritating factor, an unidentified molecule. The nuances of the reactions that occur in this case are not yet known to doctors. The appearance of molecules that are not identified by the immune system leads to a lymphocytic attack, which is expressed by the formation of ulcerative lesions on the mucous membranes.
A distinctive feature of stomatitis is the duration of the disease. In the best case, ulcers disappear in just a few days (from four or more), but often the unpleasant condition stretches for a couple of weeks or even longer. As the healing progresses, the areas merge with the surrounding tissues, leaving no marks or scars, but there is a high chance of recurrence. Doctors say that a person who once had stomatitis will face it in the future - the probability of recurrence is close to 100%.
It is possible to observe frequent stomatitis. The reason for the phenomenon is the transition of the form into a typical one. There is a risk of chronic disease when mucosal ulcerations are presentconstantly - some heal, but new ones immediately appear.
On average, a person first encounters stomatitis over the age of ten, but under twenty, although there are cases when the disease was diagnosed in newborns or first appeared in adulthood. At the age of over 20 years, relapses of the disease are observed less frequently, they are more easily tolerated. On average, the number of patients on the planet is currently estimated at 20% of the population. There is no information about the possibility of infection with stomatitis from another person.
Where the trouble came from: common features
A common cause of stomatitis in adults and children is trauma to the oral mucosa. It is not necessary to receive serious cuts, burns, or experience similar unpleasant events - stomatitis can provoke a banal tissue bite. If a person uses crowns, prostheses, the edges of such products can affect the mucous membrane. Having got used to it, a person does not feel touch, but the microscopic damage to organic structures that form in this case leads to an ulcerative process. Another mechanical cause of stomatitis in adults and children is the use of foods with increased rigidity: crackers, seeds, and the like.
In most cases, stomatitis, against the background of damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane, exhausts itself in a couple of days. Long-term discomfort is possible if the injury leads to complications. Especially attentive should be persons suffering from immunity deficiency, chronic diseases.
Chemistry and he alth
One of the causes of stomatitis is the negative impact of chemical compounds used to clean the oral cavity. This includes primarily the components of toothpastes. The greatest risks are associated with SLS - sodium lauryl sulfate. The component is added to toothpastes for better foam generation in the process of cleaning the oral cavity. The substance, as studies have shown, is aggressive, can provoke a recurrence of stomatitis. The influence of a chemical compound on the mucous membranes makes them weaker, more vulnerable to pathological life forms, food irritants, and any contact with an aggressive object causes an ulcerative process.
To identify the significance of this cause of stomatitis in adults, a special study was organized. Doctors monitored the condition of two groups of people. The former used pastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, the latter used formulations without this component. In the first group, the frequency of recurrence of stomatitis was significantly higher. Persons who used pastes without LSN noted that in their group there were cases of an ulcerative process, but the formations themselves passed faster, manifested themselves only as weak unpleasant impressions, but in the second group, relapses were characterized by a rather severe course.
Lifestyle as the reason
Treatment of stomatitis is more often needed for people who eat unbalanced, wrong. People whose diet lacks vitamin compounds from group B are more susceptible to the problem. In some cases, deficiency is considered to be the cause:
- folic acid;
- iron;
- zinc.
Lack of selenium in the body may play a role.
An equally significant factor is the stressful situations that a person is exposed to in everyday life. Studies have repeatedly proven that stress can provoke a huge number of diseases. Against the background of the constant influence of such situations, the treatment of stomatitis is more often required. The reason is that emotional instability, mental overload undermine the body's defenses, making it vulnerable to aggressive agents, and regenerative processes are inhibited.
He alth: complex issues
One of the causes of stomatitis in the mouth is an allergic reaction. More often, pathology accompanies food allergies, but it is also possible when the body responds to other substances and compounds. If there is reason to believe that in a particular case the source of the problem is a food allergy, the patient will have to keep a food diary, where to write down all the substances that enter the body during the day. Even compounds that are present in food in minimal concentrations are taken into account. Meticulously keeping such a diary and following the doctor's instructions regarding the exclusion of various elements of the diet and the introduction of new ones, you can find out what are the causes of stomatitis in the mouth in children, adults in a particular case.
Additionally, if an allergy is suspected, a specific study is prescribed to confirm the fact of an allergic reaction. In the course of such an analysis, doctors will be able to more accurately determine what exactly causes the body's response, which individualfeatures are peculiar to the case. According to statistics, the most common cause of allergies is:
- dairy products;
- cereals;
- citrus;
- vegetables;
- nuts;
- chocolate;
- seafood.
Possible allergic reaction to mint extracts included in toothpastes, medicines and metals, materials used by dentists. Even chewing gum can provoke a negative response of the body.
He alth: trouble never comes alone
A possible cause of stomatitis in the mouth in adults is a bacterial infection. Ulcerative lesions that develop during the disease are breeding grounds for pathological microscopic life forms. Most of these agents are present in the human body, but the immune system inhibits the development of colonies, so there are no problems. Due to various factors of suppression of immunity, bacteria actively multiply, which leads to the appearance of ulcers on the oral mucosa. Doctors note that bacteria are not always the primary factor in the disease, but they are the key aspect for complications.
The cause of frequent stomatitis in adults is hormonal imbalance. To a greater extent, this is characteristic of women during pregnancy, but not only: hormonal disorders can cause an ulcer process in men, adolescents, and children. Doctors believe that women have a connection of stomatitis with certain phases of the menstrual cycle, but much information remains to be clarified.
The cause of permanent stomatitis may be heredity. Scientists have establishedthat persons whose close relatives, especially parents, often suffered from stomatitis, are more susceptible to ulcerative process than those whose relatives are he althy.
A variety of diseases also play a role. For example, chronic diseases that do not manifest themselves as pronounced symptoms can be the cause of stomatitis in children and adults. In any case, stomatitis, especially frequent, is a reason for a full examination. Perhaps he signals a very serious illness, while the current is secret. Among the systemic pathologies that can provoke mouth ulcers are malignant neoplasms, so you should be extremely attentive to your he alth.
Lots of options
It is very difficult to list all the possible causes of stomatitis in children and adults. Doctors suggest that even the extensive list that is currently known has yet to be supplemented - a lot of science is still unclear. It was possible to reveal that ulcerative processes are more often observed against the background of:
- dehydration;
- prolonged loose stools;
- vomit;
- significant blood loss;
- prolonged heat;
- active excess urination;
- alcohol abuse;
- smoking;
- chemotherapy.
The cause of frequent stomatitis in a child may be the neglect of the rules of oral hygiene. However, this applies not only to children, but also to adults. In addition, low-quality prostheses can provoke trouble. Stomatitis worries people who have received dentures incorrectly, as well as those who do not carefollow them as recommended by hygiene standards.
Need treatment already?
Causes of stomatitis in children and adults provoke small formations that bring significant discomfort. They are the main symptom of the disease. Localization area:
- cheeks;
- lips;
- bottom of mouth;
- areas under the tongue;
- near the tonsils;
- soft sky.
At the very beginning of the development of the disease, the area turns red, slightly swollen. Perhaps a slight burning sensation. After some time, the area turns into a small ulcer. The shape is usually oval or round. In an uncomplicated case, the ulcer is small, solitary, has smooth edges, as if surrounded by a reddish circle. Organic tissues near the area are visually completely he althy, and a grayish film appears in the center, loosely attached to the diseased area.
Whatever the reason for the appearance of stomatitis, the process itself will certainly be quite painful. Sometimes ulcers become such an unpleasant source of sensations that even meals are given to the patient with difficulty. In severe cases, it may be difficult to move the tongue, lips.
Quite often, the cause of stomatitis in the mouth becomes a bacterial infection against the background of a weakened immune system. Under the influence of such a factor (as well as in some other cases), there is a high probability of the formation of multiple ulcerations - up to six pieces, and sometimes even more. Ulcers are scattered throughout the oral cavity, usually do not merge. Less often, ulcers form in the neighborhood, over timeconnecting into one large formation.
Forms and Features
Chronic stomatitis is quite common. The reasons for such a disease are indicated above: any of the factors can provoke a chronic form, and the transition from an acute illness to a chronic one is explained by numerous nuances of the state of he alth.
It is necessary to understand that stomatitis is a disease that in most cases relapses. Each new manifestation may differ from the previous one, and the frequency of development in most patients is several times a year. The chronic form is less common. More often, people note shallow, small lesions.
The patient's condition is more severe if stomatitis appears in an aphthous form. At the same time, ulcers are large, deep, bring significant discomfort, and can cause severe complications. Of course, they are much more difficult to treat. Often, after recovery, traces remain visible to the eye on the mucous membrane.
Symptomatics
Appearing in the mouth in adults, stomatitis in children - the reason:
- bad smell;
- activating salivation;
- high tongue sensitivity.
You can notice that the disease has begun in a child if the baby behaves restlessly, often cries and does not want to eat.
With stomatitis, ulceration of the oral mucosa, corners of the lips is possible. The lining of the mouth turns red. If the cause of stomatitis in children and adults is the reproduction of colonies of fungi, then a plaque is observed on the tongue.
Possibly accompanied by ulcerativeprocess with inflamed foci of the mucous membrane, organs of the reproductive system, eyes. In this situation, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner - perhaps the manifestations indicate Behcet's disease, a serious autoimmune pathology in which significant damage is done to small and medium-sized blood vessels, which causes inflamed and ulcerated lesions.
Possible ulcerative process, accompanied by pain in the abdomen, impaired stool. In this situation, Crohn's disease is suggested - a chronic he alth disorder expressed in inflammatory processes in the intestinal tract.
Stomatitis is possible against the background of fever, conjunctivitis, weakness. This may indicate Stevens-Johnson disease, if blisters form on the skin and mucous membranes of the patient, joints hurt. The term is used to denote an allergic response of the body, often provoked by drugs or infectious agents.
Stages and features
The nature of the course of the process, the methods of its treatment, the causes of stomatitis are closely related. The photo below shows the drug "Metrogyl Denta", which helps in most cases if stomatitis occurs in an uncomplicated form. The best results are shown by treatment started when the disease is just developing. The heavier and more neglected the form, the more difficult it is to defeat.
At the initial stage, the diseased areas of the mucosa turn red, dry out, and begin to shine. The next step is the formation of a plaque, “zaeds” appear. Plaque can spread to the entire surface of the tongue and palate,cheeks, lips. Visually, plaque is similar to cottage cheese. You can try to remove it, but then these areas quickly turn into ulcers or open wounds, bleed. As you progress, trying to clean off the plaque on your own is accompanied by more and more severe discomfort.
Forms and types
The easiest option is catarrhal stomatitis, which expresses an allergic response of the body to some harmful factor. The patient notes that it itches in the mouth, a certain area burns. There is pain, especially severe when eating, the mouth dries, and the tastes of foods may be perceived incorrectly. Every third patient is forced to treat an isolated form, but the predominant percentage is faced with additional lesions of internal systems and organs. During the examination, the doctor examines the patient's oral cavity, localizes areas of redness, swelling. As a rule, small hemorrhages are detected. The patient's condition is generally satisfactory.
Pain in the mouth, especially severe during meals and when talking, may indicate an erosive-ulcerative form of the disease. At the same time, the mucous membrane turns red, swells, bubbles form near the gums, tongue, lips. Inside the blisters are filled with a clear liquid. As they are opened, ulcers and erosions are formed, covered with a specific coating of fibrin. Single erosions that appear close to each other can merge, the lesions become large-scale. The papillae of the gums redden and swell, bleed with minimal stress. Less saliva is produced, it tickles in the throat, unpleasant sensations disturb, appetite disappears, the patient feels weak,the temperature rises - but not higher than 38 degrees. The lymph nodes under the jaw from below increase, respond with pain on palpation. The severity of the course depends on chronic infection, the presence of pathological changes in the oral mucosa, their extent.
Quite often, signs of stomatitis are disturbing against the background of an injury that caused the vulnerability of the mucosa. Infectious agents, getting on organic tissues, easily take root, and the immune system cannot cope with them quickly, so the ulcerative process begins.
Types and classifications: continuing consideration
Aphthous stomatitis is quite common. This form of the disease is rather difficult to tolerate. The process is initiated by the herpes simplex virus, the carrier of which is the predominant percentage of the world's population. Infecting herpes is as easy as shelling pears: the pathogen is transmitted by airborne droplets, through contact with a sick person or even household items used by the sick.
Aphthous stomatitis begins with general manifestations - weakness, pallor, a tendency to get irritated over trifles. The patient's temperature rises, the lymph nodes become larger, appetite disappears. Gradually, the oral mucosa turns red and swells, the manifestations are stronger, the higher the temperature. Fluid-filled blisters form. Soon the formations open up, leaving behind erosion. The lips crack, the skin on them is very dry, crusts form, saliva is activated.
Slightly less common in practice is allergic stomatitis. By itself, it is not considered a disease, but onlyis a symptom indicating a systemic reaction of the body. Treatment of stomatitis is to identify the allergen and eliminate it from the patient's life. Additionally, measures are taken to stop negative manifestations. Allergic stomatitis expresses itself as a reddened mucosa, swelling and vesicles, spots on the damaged area. Minor bleeding possible.
Finally, the last common type of stomatitis is fungal. It is provoked by microorganisms of the genus Candida, so the doctor can indicate candidiasis in the patient's chart. The disease is more common in children, since saliva does not have specific substances that inhibit the vital activity of this fungus. The body of a he althy adult contains substances with which the reproduction of colonies is strictly controlled.
How to fight?
To determine the presence of stomatitis, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will evaluate the information in the patient's card, examine the oral cavity, on the basis of which he will formulate a conclusion. There are no tests that would clarify stomatitis. For diagnosis, the detection of visible sores on the oral mucosa is considered sufficient. The doctor assesses how they are located, what features they have, how often regular outbreaks appear, which allows us to conclude about the causes in a particular case.
Stomatitis is diagnosed if the organic tissue around the ulcers looks he althy, but there are no systemic effects indicating another disease. In some cases, a scraping is prescribed to establish the characteristics of the pathological microflora that accompanies the ulcerative process.
Based on the characteristics of the case, the doctor prescribes a treatment program. They combine local means for disinfecting the oral cavity, a general therapeutic course and a nutrition program. It is possible to prescribe hormonal or antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory or anti-allergic drugs.
In case of inflammation on the mucous membrane, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of aggressive food. They completely refuse coffee and chocolate, avoid spicy dishes and rough, hot and sweet ones. You can not eat the predominant part of the meat varieties. The diet should be dominated by mashed fruits and vegetables, soups. It is important to provide yourself with the necessary amount of vitamins, as this will support the immune system and give the body strength to heal ulcers.
Stomatitis is included in the class of diseases treated by a dentist. It is to this doctor that you need to go if manifestations of pathology are noticed. The doctor will be responsible for choosing a course of treatment, regardless of what problems provoked the formation of ulcers.
Forecast and prevention
In most cases, the prognosis is favorable. The terms of recovery, the severity of the transfer of the disease depend on its form and type, the individual characteristics of the patient's body. The best options are for those who started the fight against the disease on time - recovery will be quick and complete. If you start a pathological condition, there is a risk of the form becoming chronic, in the future you will regularly have to deal with relapses. In addition, chronic stomatitis can be the cause of periodontal disease, periodontitis. On the gums canscarring will form, with part of the tooth root exposed.
To prevent stomatitis, you need to be extremely careful about hygiene procedures, start treatment of infectious and other diseases on time, and also prevent relapses of chronic he alth disorders. It must be remembered that stomatitis can provoke dysfunction of the heart, blood vessels, stomach and intestines, so you should be especially careful about diseases of these organs.
If the installation of prostheses is planned, you will have to completely abandon bad habits, otherwise complications cannot be avoided. Before the procedure, you should drink a course of vitamins or take other measures to strengthen the immune system, following the recommendations of the attending doctor.
Some nuances
Although most often the cause of stomatitis is an insufficiently attentive and careful attitude to hygiene procedures, there is a risk of ulcerative processes in those who brush their teeth very carefully. The fact is that stomatitis develops against the background of caries, tartar, plaque. All these dental he alth problems lead to the multiplication of pathological microflora, which cannot be eradicated by brushing alone. To reduce the risk of stomatitis, you should visit the dentist regularly, check your teeth for caries and treat any deficiencies found in a timely manner, as well as undergo a procedure for cleaning your teeth from tartar, plaque.
Infectious stomatitis can develop in a very severe form, accompanied by necrosis. This allowsto diagnose Vincent's stomatitis, popularly known as "trench mouth". There is a risk of such a disease if a person simultaneously becomes infected with Vincent's spirochete and fusiform bacillus. Both pathological microorganisms can live on the surface of the mucosa of a he althy person, and if immunity is impaired, colonies begin to multiply, leading to serious consequences, large ulcers and erosions that provoke tissue necrosis.
