Stomatitis: Inflammation of the Oral Mucosa

The mouth is our connection to the outside world. It is therefore exposed to a wide variety of influences, for example hot food, hard food particles or microorganisms. To meet the special requirements, the oral cavity is completely lined with mucosa. The oral mucosa is well supplied with blood and the cells divide rapidly and frequently. For this reason, wounds in the oral area also heal much faster than in other parts of the body. Nevertheless, various stimuli can cause inflammatory changes in the oral mucosa, stomatitis or inflammation of the oral mucosa. Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and inflammatory diseases of the periodontium (periodontitis) are distinguished.

Viruses and bacteria as triggers of stomatitis.

The causes of stomatitis are very diverse. Infections with bacteria, viruses or yeasts are usually responsible, especially frequently the yeast Candida albicans, which leads to oral thrush. A characteristic feature of stomatitis is a whitish coating on the oral mucosa.

In many cases, there is an underlying disease that leads to a weakening of the immune system and thus makes an infection possible in the first place. Bacteria also like to settle when the oral mucosa is pre-damaged or the general condition is weakened.

In the case of viruses, initial contact with the herpes simplex virus leads to a very painful inflammation of the oral mucosa, which doctors then refer to as gingivastomatitis herpetica or oral thrush (stomatitis aphthosa). In the course of such an infection, which usually occurs in children, there are small, painful blisters throughout the oral cavity, itching, burning or tightening, accompanied by a strong flow of saliva.

Other causes of stomatitis

In addition to infections, a whole range of other causes of inflammation of the oral mucosa exists:

  • Allergic reactions, for example, to certain foods, denture materials (contact allergy), oral care products, medications; stomatitis medicamentosa is the name given to hypersensitivity reactions to medications in the mouth (often with penicillins)
  • Plaque, tartar, caries
  • Ill-fitting dentures or braces
  • Burns caused by food or drink that is too hot
  • Vitamin deficiency (vitamins A, B and C), iron or folic acid deficiency.
  • Poisoning and damage (nicotine, alcohol, metals).
  • Dry oral mucosa (especially in old age).
  • Irritation and injury (bite injury when chewing, hard toothbrush).
  • Hormonal fluctuations (puberty, pregnancy, menopause).

Stomatitis also occurs as a concomitant disease in skin, metabolic and blood diseases and as a side effect of chemotherapy for cancer.

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Risk groups of oral stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa occurs particularly often in people with a weakened general condition and with poor oral hygiene. Also at risk of stomatitis are people who are not allowed to eat food and elderly people with dentures.

With increasing age, the oral mucosa is subject to greater risks. For example, immune defenses are reduced and the oral mucosa becomes drier. This results in a lack of saliva, which plays an important role in the self-cleaning of the oral cavity and the teeth: The salivary glands produce up to one and a half liters of fluid per day, the substances contained in which ensure a neutral pH and an oral environment that is hostile to germs. In addition, dentures and prostheses can cause problems.

Symptoms of stomatitis

Possible symptoms of stomatitis are listed below:

  • Redness, swelling, burning, and pain, especially with hot, sour, or spicy foods, are among the typical symptoms.
  • Sometimes plaque can be seen and bad breath occurs when stomatitis is present.
  • Increased salivation (or conversely dry mucous membranes) and possibly bleeding are also unpleasant side effects of stomatitis.
  • In addition, high fever and swollen cervical lymph nodes occur as general symptoms of stomatitis.
  • There may also be aphthae, white-coated, painful defects of the oral mucosa surrounded by a red halo and occurring sporadically or in groups.