Is stomatitis contagious or not and what types of it can be transmitted?

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Viral stomatitis is an inflammation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity caused by a virus.

The disease itself is a reaction of the human body to certain factors. So, most often the cause of the disease is infection with chickenpox, herpes, measles, and influenza.

Typically, infectious stomatitis is manifested by damage to the corners of the lips and mucous membrane of the mouth. Such symptoms are characteristic of the herpes virus and are most often found in children under three years of age. If a person’s immunity is strong and can resist the virus, the disease passes without a trace. In weakened patients, the disease can develop into a chronic form.

Causes of viral stomatitis

The occurrence of the disease is caused by a complication of the primary disease (chickenpox, herpes, etc.). The following may cause signs of the disease:

• poor oral hygiene;
• untreated caries;
• gingivitis, periodontal disease;
• unbalanced diet;
• avitaminosis;
• general weakening of the body;
• long-term antibiotic therapy.

Inflammation in other organs and systems of the body also causes viral stomatitis in children and adults.

Is stomatitis contagious?

Canker sores can be contracted if the condition is caused by a virus, fungus, or infection. The pathogen is easily transmitted through shared objects and airborne droplets.

Children are especially susceptible to infectious stomatitis - due to their age, the mucous membranes of the oral cavity have not yet formed the required level of protection. Aphthous stomatitis is especially severe in infants, including those with damage to internal organs. Adults have a chance of getting sick only when they have microcracks or abrasions in the mouth.

Fungal stomatitis is transmitted through water, dishes, and food.

Stomatitis that develops as a result of vitamin deficiency, stress or mechanical trauma is not contagious.

Features of the clinical picture

The symptoms of viral stomatitis at the initial stage of its development are easily confused with the symptoms of a common cold. The patient's body temperature rises and a headache appears. Gradually, the oral mucosa becomes very swollen and red, making it difficult for the patient to chew and swallow.

A few days after the onset of the inflammatory process, rashes characteristic of the disease appear:

• ulcers on the inside of the cheeks, palate, gums and tongue;
• groups of bubbles with clear liquid inside;
• “cold” on the lips, on the mucous membranes of the cheeks and in the nose;
• erosions that itch and hurt.

A whitish coating appears in the mouth of a sick person. The patient is concerned about general malaise, lack of appetite, bad breath and swollen lymph nodes.

Stomatitis

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HIV

Fungus

Scarlet fever

Gastritis

12094 24 September

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Stomatitis: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment methods.

Definition

Stomatitis is a collective name for diseases of the oral mucosa, manifested by its redness, swelling with the formation of areas of erosion, ulcers or blistering rashes. Stomatitis affects approximately 20% of the population, most often children. Stomatitis can be either an independent disease or a complication or manifestation of other diseases (for example, scarlet fever, influenza, measles, etc.).

Causes of stomatitis

There is no single factor that is the sole cause of oral inflammation. With stomatitis, bacteria or viruses are detected, especially in ulcers on the mucous membrane. However, a diverse microflora is always present in the oral cavity, but stomatitis makes itself felt only when there is a strong additional impact on this microflora.

These impacts include:

• trauma to the mucous membrane caused by overzealous brushing of teeth, rough food, etc.;
• decreased immunity due to colds, vitamin deficiencies, chronic diseases, stress, poor nutrition, as well as more serious diseases (anemia, cancer and autoimmune diseases, HIV);
• entry of a large number of pathogenic microorganisms into the oral cavity through dirty hands, unwashed foods, etc.;
• conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microflora due to the presence of caries, tartar and plaque, lack of proper teeth cleaning, etc.;
• uncontrolled use of drugs that affect the quantity and quality of saliva and reduce its antimicrobial potential;
• inhibition of normal microflora by antibiotics;
• dehydration of the body with a decrease in the amount of saliva;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, pancreatitis, etc.).

Classification of the disease
Due to its occurrence:

• traumatic stomatitis
  occurs as a result of the influence of physical (wound, burn from hot food, etc.) or chemical (burn of the oral mucosa with caustic substances, etc.) factors on the mucous membrane;
• infectious stomatitis
  occurs as a result of a viral, bacterial or fungal infection;
• specific stomatitis
  occurs as a result of a specific infection (tuberculosis, syphilis); this group includes radiation, drug, and stomatitis due to occupational diseases;
• symptomatic stomatitis
  develops against the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine systems, and blood diseases;
• allergic stomatitis
  develops upon contact with allergens.

According to the clinical picture:

• catarrhal stomatitis;
• ulcerative stomatitis;
• aphthous stomatitis.

With the flow:

• spicy;
• chronic.

There are stomatitis associated with dental problems - for example, denture stomatitis occurs due to damage to the mucous membrane by dental structures, due to poor care of removable dentures, and the patient’s failure to comply with oral hygiene.
Symptoms of stomatitis

In children, the disease is more severe than in adults: body temperature may rise significantly and intoxication may be present.

In adults, oral stomatitis, as a rule, is not accompanied by fever, except in cases of deep damage to the mucous membranes in the ulcerative form of the disease.

The most common is catarrhal stomatitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the oral mucosa without the formation of deep defects (ulcers). For those around you, catarrhal stomatitis manifests itself as “stale breath”, for the patient himself – pain, swelling and redness of the mucous membrane. Gingival papillae are easily injured and bleed.

In persons with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as with inadequate treatment, catarrhal stomatitis tends to progress to the next stage - ulcerative with the formation of defects throughout the entire depth of the mucous membrane. It is accompanied by an unpleasant odor from the mouth, even putrefactive, the ulcers are covered with a gray coating, and eating any food leads to increased pain. Ulcerative stomatitis is more severe than catarrhal stomatitis and can cause a slight increase in temperature and enlargement of regional lymph nodes.

Aphthous stomatitis manifests itself in the form of small (3-5 mm) single or multiple defects of the mucous membrane of an oval or round shape, surrounded by a thin bright red border and covered with a yellow-gray fibrin coating. Aphthae do not form simultaneously, so you can see different stages of their development. Healing of aphthae begins after the fibrin plaque peels off on its own and ends with the complete disappearance of the defect.

Allergic stomatitis in the mouth occurs against the background of an exacerbation of the underlying disease - allergies. Increased sensitivity of the body can occur to food, medications, pollen, animal hair, cosmetics and care products, and even clothing. Most often, stomatitis is provoked by toothpastes that contain flavorings and chemical components.

Among viral stomatitis, the most common is herpetic stomatitis, which worsens against the background of ARVI. The disease begins with general malaise and lasts 7-10 days.

The oral mucosa becomes red and swollen, and regional lymph nodes become enlarged. After a few days, a blistering rash appears on the tongue and inner surface of the cheeks, and inside the rash there is a translucent liquid. After the bubbles open, small erosions appear, which are covered with a yellowish film.

Diagnosis of the disease

Adequate treatment of stomatitis can be prescribed by determining what caused it - bacteria, fungi or viruses.

If a fungal infection is suspected and to assess the effectiveness of therapy,
Candida albicans
in an oropharyngeal scraping and culture is performed for yeast-like fungi of the genus
Candida
and
Cryptococcus to determine sensitivity to antifungal drugs.

How is viral stomatitis treated?

Often, treatment of viral stomatitis is based on local exposure to damaged areas of the mucous membrane and skin. Ulcers and erosions are treated with an antiseptic and painkillers, the dentist prescribes applications (application of the drug) with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing compounds. To strengthen the immune system, the patient is prescribed medications based on echinacea and vitamins.

It is also important to follow a diet during therapy. All products consumed must be neutral in taste, pureed, and not hot.

You cannot self-medicate: without the help of a doctor, the disease can develop into a chronic form.

It is advisable to reduce home treatment of viral stomatitis in adults and children only to procedures that will speed up the healing process of lesions. The doctor will recommend rinsing with decoctions of herbs and oak bark.

Candidal stomatitis

In 80% of healthy children, Candida fungi can be found in the oral cavity. They get there during childbirth, from nipples and pacifiers, from care products, in contact with the mother's skin, with food during eating and usually do not cause any problems. Candidal stomatitis, or thrush, occurs when immunity decreases1.

Predispose to the disease:

• prematurity and postmaturity;
• developmental defects and concomitant diseases;
• treatment with antibiotics and hormones;
• artificial feeding;
• poor care and poor feeding hygiene;
• Using the wrong nipples1.

What does candidal stomatitis look like? In children's mouths, whitish or whitish-gray dotted formations appear on the reddened mucous membrane. They merge into films of a cheesy nature; when the films are rejected, bright red painful erosions are formed. Because of the pain, the baby becomes restless, cries often, sleeps poorly, and refuses to eat1.

In severe cases of candidiasis, a cheesy coating may appear on the palate and on the lateral surfaces of the tongue, on the tonsils and the back wall of the pharynx - candidal tonsillitis and pharyngitis develop1.

If your child has a fungal infection, you should always consult a doctor; he will tell you how and what to treat the mucous membrane with candidal stomatitis, so that the child does not have complications and recovers faster. Treatment, as a rule, involves treating the oral cavity with drugs with antifungal activity (chlorhexidine, hexethidine). In severe cases of the disease, antifungal agents, probiotics and immunomodulators are prescribed1.

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Aphthous stomatitis

This form of the disease is characterized by the appearance of single ulcers (ulcers) on the inflamed mucosa. Typical localization of erosions: mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips, palate, tonsils and surface of the tongue. Less commonly, aphthae form along the edges of the lips or on the gums. The general condition of a child with aphthous stomatitis rarely worsens, but the temperature may rise slightly and the submandibular lymph nodes may enlarge. The diameter of the ulcers usually does not exceed 10 mm.

It is generally accepted that the following factors can provoke aphthous stomatitis:

• An allergic reaction to certain foods, as well as components of toothpastes, in particular sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Systematic injury to the buccal mucosa, tongue biting.
• Exposure to nitrates in food and drinking water.
• Some chronic diseases, pathologies of the immune system, blood and gastrointestinal diseases.

Diagnostics

If there is a suspicion of damage to the mucous membrane in the mouth, only a doctor, pediatrician or pediatric dentist should make a diagnosis and examine a child. It is important to identify the cause of the disease in order to prescribe effective treatment. Identifying the cause of the disease does not present any difficulties. This pathology is detected during examination due to the characteristic clinical picture, the presence of rashes, and signs of inflammation in the mouth. In addition to an examination to clarify the nature of the disease, the doctor prescribes a general blood and urine test. In severe cases, tissues of the affected mucous membrane are examined to identify the type of pathogen. For this purpose, washouts and scrapings from erosions and ulcers are taken.

The following methods are used to identify the type of virus:

• immunofluorescence method;
• PCR;
• RSK;
• ELISA.

In order to prescribe effective therapy, especially in severe cases, identification of the type of pathogen is required.

Treatment

Treatment of viral stomatitis in children is carried out under the mandatory supervision of a doctor. Mild forms can be treated at home; in severe cases, the baby is admitted to a hospital. Children are prescribed bed rest and a diet. Food should be pureed, warm, and not irritate the affected mucous membrane. The patient is advised to drink more fluids.

The disease requires complex therapy. For this disease, local and general treatment methods are used.

The following medications are indicated for the child:

• antiviral drugs (Panavir, Acyclovir) - taken strictly according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor; if you do not follow his instructions, a relapse of the disease is possible;
• antihistamines (Suprastin, Citrine, Loratadine) - reduce swelling and reduce pain;
• immunomodulators (Imunofan, Timalin) – strengthen the baby’s immune system;
• antipyretics (Panadol, Nurofen) are used at high temperatures.

Local remedies are used to treat infectious stomatitis. They relieve inflammation and swelling.

For this purpose the following are used:

• antiseptic solutions (Panavir, Miramistin) - the oral cavity is rinsed every hour with a soda solution or Furacilin, and then treated with antiseptics;
• dental gels (Kamistad, Dentinox), which have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, disinfecting effect, are used thirty minutes before meals;
• antiviral ointments (Acyclovir, Oxolinic) - penetrate the virus and destroy it, the oral cavity is lubricated up to five times a day for two weeks.

Mouth rinses with herbal infusions are used. Herbs are used to relieve irritation and pain (chamomile, calendula, sage).

Physiotherapeutic methods are used: tube quartz, devices with infrared irradiation.

What it is

Like any other, viral stomatitis is an inflammation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity, caused by a virus and accompanied by pain and rashes of various kinds.

The initial stage of the disease, depending on the type of virus and the strength of the immune system, can be characterized by a slight sore throat, lethargy and the first signs of viral infections (fever, chills, enlarged lymph nodes and even a cough with a runny nose). If the body's resistance is low, the reaction can be much more serious, including complete refusal of food due to severe pain. 1-3 days after the onset of the disease, rashes appear in the mouth (aphthae, blisters, ulcers), bleeding of the gums may occur with obvious swelling, and most often a putrid odor appears from the mouth.

The “stomatitis” virus, or more precisely, the virus that causes it, can be anything, since stomatitis itself is simply a reaction of the body that may or may not occur for a number of reasons. Most often, viral stomatitis appears against the background of infection with chickenpox, herpes, influenza, measles, adenovirus and rotavirus infections.

Most often, the lesion occurs in the corners of the lips or on the oral mucosa and is popularly called fever. This manifestation of stomatitis is inherent in the herpes virus, and children under three years of age are most susceptible to this disease. In 80% of sick children this virus will be the cause. With good body resistance and a high level of immunity, viral stomatitis passes without a trace, however, in weakened people it can also acquire a chronic form.

Causes

Viral stomatitis begins as a complication of the underlying disease, be it herpes, chickenpox or any other. The likelihood of developing stomatitis in a healthy person who takes care of his teeth and does not neglect the rules of personal hygiene is very small, so the root cause of stomatitis may not even be the virus itself, but the initial problems of the oral cavity. For example, chronic advanced caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis, against the background of which the degree of resistance to viral infections is significantly reduced.

Even poor nutrition, vitamin deficiency and lack of minerals in the body can be a prerequisite for the development of viral stomatitis. With low local immunity of the oral cavity, any virus can provoke serious consequences.

Another reason is the presence of sick pets in the house. Unfortunately, vesicular stomatitis is transmitted from animals to humans, so the owners of an animal with an acute infection must maintain careful hygiene and limit close contact with the pet as much as possible until it recovers.

Prevention

It is not possible to completely prevent the development of this infection in a child. Most people are already infected with viruses at birth, but it is quite possible to reduce the incidence of the disease.

To do this, the following measures are used:

• if one of the adults is infected, they should not be allowed to contact the child;
• choose a group in kindergarten with a small number of children;
• If possible, do not attend mass events during epidemics;
• it is necessary to harden the child (walk barefoot at home, go to the pool);
• stop bad habits (sucking fingers, toys, other objects);
• thoroughly wash and treat the child’s toys and dishes;
• treatment of all surfaces in the apartment using antiseptics.

Infectious stomatitis in children is a rather unpleasant disease. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and preventive measures, you can minimize the occurrence of this disease in your baby.

How to avoid getting stomatitis again

To avoid getting stomatitis again, you need to follow 3 rules:

1. Maintain hygiene.
2. Treat teeth, check and change orthopedic structures in a timely manner.
3. Monitor your general health.

The first rule for preventing recurrent stomatitis is hygiene. It is best to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist after the symptoms of the disease have disappeared. A specialist will use ultrasonic equipment to remove tartar and old plaque and advise on further dental care tactics in each specific case. The professional cleaning procedure should be carried out 2 times a year to remove accumulated dirt that regular cleaning cannot remove. This is especially true for patients with braces or dentures - the presence of foreign structures in the mouth requires regular professional cleaning.

It is necessary to treat teeth so that there are no putrefactive processes in the mouth, and there are as few pathogenic bacteria in the microflora as possible. And if the cause of stomatitis or contributing factors were disturbances in the functioning of the body, then you need to closely monitor your health and maintain your immunity.

Stomatitis in adults

Stomatitis affects the oral mucosa, causing inflammation and the appearance of painful ulcers (ulcers) of varying sizes. If left untreated, erosions can affect the pharynx, tongue, lips and cheeks. The disease mainly affects children, however, among the adult population, the incidence of stomatitis is at a fairly high level - according to WHO statistics, every fifth person experiences the disease. Stomatitis in adults can develop for various reasons, the main ones include:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract,
• nerve diseases,
• taking certain medications,
• incorrectly installed dentures,
• avitaminosis,
• allergic reaction.

The risk group also includes people with bad habits and weakened immune systems.