Stomatitis Health Article

Definition

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. It may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. The inflammation may be caused by conditions within the mouth itself, such as poor oral hygiene and poorly fitted dentures, or from mouth burns caused by hot foods or drinks. It also may be caused by factors affecting the entire body, such as medications, allergic reactions, or infections.

Description

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the lining of any of the soft-tissue structures of the mouth. It is usually a painful condition, associated with redness, swelling, and occasionally bleeding from the affected area. Stomatitis affects all age groups, from infants to the elderly.

Causes and symptoms

A number of factors can cause stomatitis. Poorly fitted oral appliances, cheek biting, or jagged teeth can persistently irritate the oral structures. Chronic mouth breathing may cause dryness of the mouth tissues, which in turn can lead to irritation. Drinking beverages that are too hot can burn the mouth, causing irritation and pain. Some diseases, such as infections (bacterial, viral, and fungal), gonorrhea, measles, leukemia, pellagra, oral erythema multiforme and AIDS may present with oral symptoms. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause stomatitis by destroying the healthy cells of the oral cavity. Other causes include deficiencies in the B vitamins or vitamin C, and iron deficiency anemia. Stomatitis may also follow overuse of alcohol, tobacco, and spicy foods, as well as exposure to certain toothpastes and mouthwashes. Exposure to heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, or bismuth may also cause stomatitis.

Aphthous stomatitis, also known as "canker sores," is a specific type of stomatitis that presents with shallow, painful ulcers that are usually located on the lips, cheeks, gums, or roof or floor of the mouth. These ulcers can range from pinpoint size up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more in diameter. Though the specific causes of canker sores are unknown, nutritional deficiencies are suspected.

The symptoms of stomatitis may include:

• reddened mucous membranes in the mouth
• painful areas in the mouth
• increased sensitivity to spicy foods
• presence of ulcers in the oral cavity
• dry or swollen tongue
• difficulty swallowing