My girl friend’s husband was just recently diagnosed as having stomatitis. She was telling our group of girl friends about it and I realized most of the girls were genuinely interested but had never heard of this diagnosis. Of course I am always looking for something to report on so I felt this may be interesting to you.
This condition is inflammation of the mouth that affects the mucous membranes or the thin skin coverings on the inside surface of the mouth. Membranes are what produce the protective mucus, as well as lining the digestive system, from the mouth to the anus. It is a condition defined as pain or inflammation of the mucous membrane known as mucositis and a relatively common side effect of chemotherapy and sometimes radiotherapy. The inside of the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue and throat can sometimes be affected. It can reoccur and includes mouth ulcers called recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and affects around 5-25% of the U.S. populated in some way.
Some different types of aphthous ulcers are canker sores and cold sores. Cancer sores develop either singly or in a cluster and usually occur on the inside of the lips or cheek and they can form on the tongue. They can run in families but are not contagious. Cold sores are small, painful fluid-filled sores that usually occur on or around the lips and near the edge of the mouth. They are also known as herpes stomatitis. They can cause a tingling or burning before the sore appears, and tenderness. These sores can last around 5-7 days and can keep coming back. They are also very contagious.
Cheilitis (inflammation of the lips and around the mouth), glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the mouth) are the different categories of stomatitis.
Some of the most common causes are trauma from ill-fitting dentures or braces, biting the inside of the cheek, tongue or lip and surgery, chemotherapy treatment for cancer, viral infection, such as herpes, yeast infection, such as thrush, any condition associated with xerostomia or dry mouth and smoking or chewing tobacco. Others could be bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections, weakened or deficient immune system, irritation from strong chemicals, stress, certain diseases, medications, nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions and burns caused by hot food and drink.
This condition usually results in pain, stinging and soreness that might include mouth ulcers with a white or yellow layer and red base, red patches, blisters, swelling, oral dysaesthesia and lesions that heal in 4-14 days and recur often.
Doctors can learn a lot about what is causing the stomatitis just by looking at the appearance and distribution of the ulcers. Some further tests might include bacterial and viral swabs, tissue scrapings or swabs for fungal infections, biopsy, blood tests or patch tests to identify allergy. A patient’s medical history and medication will be reviewed by the physician as well as they might ask about their sexual history and if they have ever smoked.
Different causes will need different treatments as in allergy, infection, disease and nutritional deficiency. Some topical treatments can be used to speed up healing such as topical corticosteroids, topical antibiotics, topical anesthetics and Kanka.
Some basic precautions to take against stomatitis are by using an antiseptic and non-alcoholic mouthwash, treating chronic dry mouth, using a soft toothbrush, maintaining proper nutrition and hydration and receiving routine dental care.
Dr Fredda Branyon