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Stomatitis forms wounds that look like thrush or an ulcer, if they are larger, and may be single or multiple, appear on the lips, tongue, gums and cheeks, accompanied by symptoms such as pain, swelling and redness.
The treatment for stomatitis, due to different causes such as the presence of the herpes virus, food hypersensitivity and even a fall in the immune system, should be indicated by a general practitioner or dentist, who after evaluating the case, will indicate the most appropriate treatment, it may include antiviral ointments, such as acyclovir, or elimination of foods that cause stomatitis, for example.
Possible causes
Stomatitis can have several causes, among the main can be cited:
1. Cuts or blows
Stomatitis due to cuts or blows occurs in people with very sensitive oral mucosa, and therefore an injury caused by the use of toothbrushes with firm bristles or while using dental floss and even when eating crunchy or shelled foods, which it should just be a fissure if it becomes an injury with the appearance of cold sore, which causes pain, swelling and discomfort.
2. Falling of the immune system
The breakdown of the immune system during spikes in stress or anxiety, for example, causes the bacteria Streptococcus viridans which naturally forms part of the oral microbiota, multiplies more than normal, thus causing stomatitis.
3. Herpes virus
The herpes virus, which in this case is called herpetic stomatitis, causes thrush and ulcers as soon as the person has contact with the virus, and after the lesion has healed, the virus takes root in the face cells, which remains asleep, but which can cause injuries when the immune system falls. Understand what herpetic stomatitis is and how treatment is done.
4. Genetic factors
Some people have stomatitis that has been genetically inherited, and in these cases they can happen more frequently and have larger lesions, however the exact reason for this is not yet known.
5. Food hypersensitivity
Food hypersensitivity to gluten, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, cinnamaldehyde and azo dyes can cause stomatitis in some people, even when consumed in small quantities.
6. Vitamin and mineral deficiency
The low levels of iron, B vitamins and folic acid, cause stomatitis in most people, but the exact reason why this happens is not yet known.
Main symptoms
The main symptom of stomatitis are lesions that resemble a cold sore or ulcer, and that happen frequently, however, other symptoms may appear, such as:
- Pain in the lesion region;
- Sensitivity in the mouth;
- Difficulty eating, swallowing and talking;
- General malaise;
- Discomfort in the mouth;
- Inflammation around the lesion;
- Fever.
In addition, when the thrush and ulcers that arise cause a lot of pain and discomfort, brushing of the teeth ends up being avoided and that can lead to the appearance of bad breath and bad taste in the mouth.
If stomatitis is recurrent, it is indicated that a general practitioner or dentist should be contacted so that the cause of the stomatitis can be defined and this is usually done through a clinical examination by observing the injury and analyzing the person's report and from there, appropriate treatment has been defined.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for stomatitis during crises, where the wound is open, is carried out with the hygiene of the affected area every three hours, in addition to rinsing with mouthwashes without alcohol. Eating a mild diet, which does not include salty or acidic foods, reduces symptoms and helps reduce injuries.
During crises, some natural measures such as the use of propolis extract and licorice drops can be used at the wound site, as they help to relieve burning and discomfort. Check out other natural treatments for stomatitis.
However, if the wounds are recurrent, it is recommended that a general practitioner or dentist be sought, as in cases of herpes virus it may be necessary to make use of medicines such as acyclovir.
For those who suffer from food hypersensitivity, genetic factor or weakened immune system, the general practitioner or dentist may recommend the use of triamcinolone acetonide to be applied to the lesion 3 to 5 times a day, and follow-up with the nutritionist, for that a special diet be made, thus reducing the frequency and intensity of stomatitis.
Care during treatment
During the treatment of foot-and-mouth disease there are some precautions that can help recovery such as:
- Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth, using dental floss and using mouthwash several times a day;
- Make mouthwash with warm water and salt;
- Avoid very hot food;
- Avoid salty or acidic foods.
- Do not touch the wound and elsewhere afterwards;
- Keep the place hydrated.
In addition, it is also important to drink a lot of water during treatment to maintain hydration, as well as a more liquid or pasty diet, based on creams, soups, porridges and purees.