Treatment of stomatitis in the mouth in adults

Causes of stomatitis

Stomatitis is both an independent disease and a manifestation of other diseases. The causes of stomatitis can be:

WHY DOES DISEASE OCCUR?

The disease can develop due to:

• infections (in particular, it often occurs during chickenpox, measles, scarlet fever and a number of other airborne diseases);
• oral injuries (for example, cheek biting);
• burns (including after consuming too hot foods or drinks);
• allergic reactions (for example, to medications or dental products);
• insufficient oral hygiene;
• bad habit of chewing a pen or other objects;
• lack of nutrients;
• smoking (this bad habit contributes to the proliferation of bacteria in the oral cavity and constant irritation of the mucous membranes);
• some gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, gastritis and some other diseases can cause the development of catarrhal stomatitis).

Classification of stomatitis by the World Health Organization7

Catarrhal stomatitis

Characterized by redness, slight swelling, burning of the mucous membrane. It is observed with influenza, acute respiratory viral infections, and drug-induced damage.

Fibrinous stomatitis

It manifests itself as single painful aphthae, which are covered with a white coating. Afta is a superficial defect of the oral mucosa of a round shape. It appears in mild forms of aphthous stomatitis.

Ulcerative stomatitis

manifests itself in the form of deep defects in the oral mucosa - ulcers. Observed in traumatic stomatitis.

Necrotizing stomatitis

Characterized by ulcers that are covered with necrotic plaque. It is observed in ulcerative-necrotizing gingivitis, a complication of measles.

Acute stomatitis

It has pronounced symptoms, as a rule, it appears for the first time or recurs extremely rarely, once every few years. Also occurs due to acute trauma. Patients complain of severe pain, difficulty eating and sometimes even talking, general weakness, fever, and bad breath. Acute stomatitis with incomplete or improper treatment can become chronic.

Chronic stomatitis

Characterized by constant relapses, as a rule, this occurs when the immune system is weakened. May occur as a result of regular, moderate trauma. Clinical manifestations are less pronounced; this type of stomatitis always requires first of all eliminating the cause of the disease.

Acute herpetic stomatitis in children and adults: treatment

When herpetic stomatitis is detected in adults and children, it is possible to determine how and how to treat this disease only after differential diagnosis: the herpetic and aphthous types are very similar in symptoms, but the drugs used for therapy are completely different. Therefore, first of all, you need to do tests and make sure that the cause of the disease was the herpes virus.

When treating the disease, antiviral drugs, immunomodulators (to stimulate the immune system), local antiseptic treatments, and vitamin complexes are used to maintain the body's defenses. Additionally, symptomatic medications are used: painkillers, antipyretics for high body temperature in children (above 38.5 degrees).

The doctor prescribes all medications and treatment regimens individually, taking into account the patient’s age, the general condition of his body, the severity of the disease and its form (acute or chronic). In addition, proper dental care is also important - both during and after treatment. The doctor will give all the necessary recommendations for care and help you choose hygiene products individually.

Herpetic stomatitis during pregnancy requires a special approach. In addition to local treatment with antiseptics, it also requires antiviral therapy, but the doctor selects the drugs very carefully, taking into account the possible risks for the pregnant woman and the fetus. Treating yourself in this situation is extremely risky; self-medication can cause serious complications in the body of the mother and her unborn child.

“32 Dent” clinics provide all types of dental services, including gum treatment. Dentists are equipped with the latest equipment, and doctors have extensive experience working with a variety of, even the most complex, clinical cases. By contacting us, you receive high-quality treatment and lasting results at an affordable price.

Sources:

1. Personal experience as a dentist;
2. Danilevsky N.F., Leontyev V.K., Nesin A.F., Rakhniy Zh.I. Diseases of the oral mucosa. - M.: OJSC "Dentistry", 2001;
3. Ivanova E.N. and others. Diseases of the oral mucosa. - Rostov n/d.: Phoenix, 2007;
4. Ed. prof. A.L. Mashkilleyson, prof. E.V. Borovsky. Diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and lips. - M.: MEDpress, 2001;
5. Kolesov A.A. Pediatric dentistry. M.: Medicine, 1991;
6. Vinogradova T.F., Maksimova O.P., Melnichenko E.M. Periodontal disease and oral mucosa in children. M.: Medicine, 1983;
7. Whitley RJ, Roizman B. Herpes Simplex virus Infection // The Lancet. 2001.

Viral stomatitis

Herpetic stomatitis

Caused by the herpes virus of the first, less often the second type.
It accounts for 80% of all stomatitis and occurs mainly in children, less often in adults. The prevalence of herpes simplex virus ranges from 65% to 90%8. Infection occurs through airborne droplets and household contact. More common is recurrent herpetic stomatitis, which is manifested by itching, burning, slight soreness in the oral cavity, then vesicles (bubbles) appear, which burst and heal after 7-10 days.

During primary infection, acute herpetic stomatitis occurs; it is characterized by general symptoms such as fever, weakness, aches in the muscles and joints, the degree of these manifestations depends on the severity of the disease. As a rule, the acute form occurs in children.

Varicella zoster virus infection

The mildest form, in which the mucous membrane of the tonsils is affected. The palatine tonsils are not very enlarged, the mucous membrane of the throat is red, there is no plaque or pus.

Stomatitis with measles

Measles is an acute viral, highly contagious disease that is caused by the Polinisa virus and is transmitted by airborne droplets. The disease is extremely contagious. It is characterized by a rise in temperature, symptoms of ARVI, a rash on the face, neck, and then the whole body. In the oral cavity, Filatov-Koplik spots and stomatitis occur, which is characterized by hyperemia, swelling of the mucous membrane and white plaque. Nowadays, thanks to vaccination, this disease practically does not occur.

Treatment of herpetic stomatitis

Treatment of stomatitis after detection can be carried out many times (once a year or more often), since once settled in our body, the herpes virus remains there for life. Herpes stomatitis is characterized by the accumulation of reddish transparent blisters on the lips and inside the mouth, so it is quite easy to detect. Especially often, herpetic stomatitis manifests itself against the background of decreased immunity, vitamin deficiency, hypothermia and stress. Remember that herpetic stomatitis in adults is contagious, so you should avoid tactile contact.

Types of drugs

• Antiviral agents.
• Immunostimulants (as a preventative measure).
• Ointments (including to eliminate visual manifestations of the disease).

Stomatitis caused by fungi

Candidal stomatitis is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Candida.10 Young children and the elderly are more often affected; people with diabetes and xerostomia (dry mouth), pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are also at risk. Elderly people wearing removable dentures often get sick.

The main symptom of fungal stomatitis is a burning sensation and the presence of a white, cheesy coating, when removed, a swollen, red mucous membrane appears. The general condition of adults with candidal stomatitis is practically not affected.

Bacterial stomatitis

Vincent's ulcerative necrotizing stomatitis

It manifests itself as ulcerations of the mucous membrane, strong odor from the mouth, fever, weakness, pain when eating. In severe forms, ulcerations can occupy almost the entire oral cavity, and the temperature rises above 38°C.

Gonorrheal stomatitis

Caused by Neisser's gonococcus. The mucous membranes of the lips, gums, lateral and lower surfaces of the tongue are mainly affected. The mucous membrane has a brightly hyperemic color and a large amount of gray purulent plaque with an unpleasant odor. But, as a rule, there are no complaints.

Acute streptococcal gingivostomatitis

It is characterized by general damage to the gums, severe pain, fever, enlargement and tenderness of the lymph nodes. The mucous membrane of the mouth and tonsils is hyperemic, abscesses may form.

SYMPTOMS OF STOMATITIS

The following symptoms may indicate the development of stomatitis:

• the appearance of wounds, white or yellowish plaque on the oral mucosa, lips or tongue;
• severe burning sensation;
• increased salivation;
• pain and discomfort, increasing during eating and swallowing;
• swelling, redness of mucous membranes;
• bleeding gums;
• enlargement of regional lymph nodes;
• bad breath;
• increase in temperature, deterioration in general condition.

If left untreated, the disease becomes chronic, which can last for several years, leading to periodic exacerbations.

TYPES OF DISEASE

There are the following types of disease:

• Aphthous stomatitis. Characterized by the formation of many ulcers covered with plaque.
• Herpetic stomatitis. This type of disease is caused by the herpes simplex virus (usually due to decreased immunity).
• Candida. Accompanied by a cheesy coating, caused by Candida fungi.
• Catarrhal. There are no wounds, but pain, increased salivation, bad breath and redness of the mucous membranes help make the correct diagnosis.
• Enterovirus vesicular. It is characterized by the appearance of a vesicular rash of a viral nature. Very contagious, especially often accompanied by fever.
• Viral infectious. A common type of disease that can be treated with antiviral drugs.
• Allergic. Accompanied by severe swelling and burning. May be caused by individual intolerance to medications, materials from which dentures, braces, etc. are made.

HOW TO TREAT STOMATITIS IN ADULTS

It is quite easy to get rid of stomatitis in the mouth, tongue or lips if you follow all the recommendations of the dentist and contact him at the first signs of the disease. As a rule, the following are prescribed for treatment:

• antiseptics;
• antiviral drugs;
• immunomodulators;
• anti-inflammatory drugs.

They help relieve unpleasant symptoms, heal wounds, and eliminate infection. As a rule, local medications are prescribed (for example, solutions for irrigation or rinsing, ointments). If the discomfort is too great, painkillers can also be used. In addition, depending on the type of disease, medications are prescribed that eliminate its root cause (for example, antifungals for candidal stomatitis).

The specialists of the DentaLux-M clinic have been successfully and quickly treating stomatitis in adults for many years. By contacting us, you can not only get rid of the disease in a short time, but also receive the necessary recommendations for its prevention.

Traumatic stomatitis

Traumatic stomatitis develops as a result of mechanical, thermal or physical trauma. This type of stomatitis occurs:

• superficial (burn of the mucous membrane by hot tea)
• deep (burn with a strong alkali or acid, strong biting of the mucous membrane)

Acute mechanical stomatitis: rare, it can be caused by trauma to the mucous membrane when biting the cheek, tongue, lip while eating, an attack of epilepsy, a blow, trauma during dental treatment and other traumatic factors.

It is manifested by pain, hyperemia, swelling at the site of injury, erosion. With secondary infection, the wound can develop into long-term non-healing ulcers. Most often, traumatic stomatitis is acute, but can also be chronic, for example, constant biting of the cheeks under stress, chronic injury from braces, a sharp tooth edge, or a bad crown. As a result of trauma, painful erosions or ulcers with jagged edges form on the mucous membrane, which can become infected.

The cause of physical injury is most often a thermal burn due to contact with hot liquid, inhalation of steam, or exposure to fire, the latter, as a rule, accompanied by damage to the respiratory tract. The lesion is most often located on the tip of the tongue, lips, and the front of the palate. The mucous membrane becomes swollen, red, painful, and blisters may form, which then burst. With deep damage, the mucous membrane dies, and the damage involves muscles and even bone.

Chemical stomatitis occurs when burned with acid or alkali. In everyday life, this is most often acetic acid; also at a dental appointment, burns can occur with various drugs (phenol, formaldehyde, alcohol, hydrofluoric acid, etc.). The depth of damage depends on the damaging substance and its concentration, and the duration of exposure. First, the mucous membrane becomes bright red and painful, and with severe lesions, foci of necrosis then appear within a few hours.

In case of burns with acids, alkalis, or thermal burns, it is recommended to call an ambulance!

Allergic stomatitis

They arise as a reaction of the mucous membrane to an allergen. An allergic agent can be toothpastes, mouthwashes, food, medicines, materials for crowns, fillings, etc. Allergies often occur to removable dentures. The mucous membrane is affected precisely at the point of contact with the damaging agent, for example, the hard palate under a removable denture. With allergic stomatitis, the mucous membrane is swollen, red, bubbles appear, which burst with the appearance of painful erosions.

Allergic stomatitis also includes chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis , it begins with swelling and burning, then a painful aphtha appears, and then a healing period begins. This disease is characterized by constant relapses with a certain frequency.

Prevention of stomatitis

Consists of the following items:

• strengthening the immune system, giving up bad habits, hardening, playing sports, eating with a sufficient amount of macros and vitamins (especially vitamin C)
• regular visits to the dentist
• adequate brushing of teeth at home, as well as removal of dental plaque in the dentist’s office once every 6 months
• identifying the allergen and avoiding contact with it
• undergoing medical examination for timely detection of diseases
• treatment of systemic diseases
• taking antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor, together with a course of probiotics, to avoid dysbiosis
• vaccination (against measles, chickenpox)

Tantum® Propolis

It is worth paying attention to Tantum Propolis, since propolis has an immunostimulating effect, promotes healing, and vitamin C, which is part of it, is responsible for regeneration, participating in the synthesis of collagen.
Propolis also has antiviral and antifungal effects. Therefore, vitamin therapy Tantum Propolis is an effective means of preventing stomatitis.12 Find out more

Treatment of stomatitis

Treatment of stomatitis depends on the severity and cause of the disease and includes the following measures:

1. For bacterial stomatitis, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. For fungal stomatitis - antifungal drugs, for viral ones - antiviral drugs

Important! Antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal drugs are prescribed only by the attending physician!

2. For high fever and pain, antipyretic and painkillers are prescribed

3. Vitamin therapy. It is especially important to take vitamins A, C, E

4. Immunomodulatory drugs

5. Antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity. Antiseptics are used in the form of solutions, sprays, tablets, ointments

6. Epithelializing agents are used after acute phenomena have subsided

7. Sanitation of the oral cavity, removal of dental plaque

8. A gentle diet

9. Eliminating allergens and taking antihistamines

Important! Stomatitis is treated by a dentist, in some cases together with a therapist, infectious disease specialist, allergist and dermatologist. If you have symptoms, consult a specialist.

How to treat the disease

Therapy involves the use of local and sometimes systemic drugs. The treatment regimen for the disease depends on what type of stomatitis is diagnosed. For this reason, you should not self-medicate, as it may turn out to be useless and the pathology will continue to develop into dangerous conditions.

The exception is mild catarrhal inflammation associated with poor hygiene. It is enough to exclude the cause and rinse your mouth with antiseptics for several days.

Treatment at home for other types should be discussed with your doctor. The use of folk remedies is not contraindicated, but they can only be used as a supplement to the main therapy. Only a dentist can evaluate the appropriateness and harmlessness of a particular prescription.

Effective drugs for adults

To relieve inflammatory processes, combat pathogenic microflora, and relieve pain, rinses, gels, sprays, lozenges, and ointments are prescribed. For severe pain, pain medications can be taken orally. Since treatment must be carried out regularly, it is important to choose a medicine for stomatitis that will be convenient to carry in your purse and use at work.

Popular medicines:

1. Chlorophyllipt, Inhalipt, which have an antiseptic effect. Available in the form of sprays. Apply up to 5 times a day for one week. Sprays are convenient to use if there is stomatitis in the palate or throat.
2. Solcoseryl accelerates tissue regeneration, restores mucous membranes, and protects against the development of ulcers. The gel is applied several times a day. The course is from 7 to 14 days.
3. Cholisal has a detrimental effect on bacteria, relieves inflammation, and improves tissue healing. The gel is used three times a day for at least a week. An analogue of the drug is Kamistad. Excellent help with aphthous, bacterial form of the disease.
4. Viferon, Acyclovir are prescribed to patients with a viral infection. Ointment for stomatitis in the mouth is applied to areas of inflammation several times a day. The course of therapy is up to 2 weeks.
5. Lidocaine Asept, Lidochlor are used for any form of pathology, since the main purpose is to relieve acute pain. Available in spray form. Can be used up to four times a day, no more than 1 week.
6. Lugol kills bacteria, treats ulcers, and relieves inflammatory processes. The oral cavity is treated with a spray 2 - 3 times a day.
7. Miconazole and Nystatin are prescribed for fungal infections. In severe cases of the disease, the ointment is used in combination with systemic medications. Apply to affected areas 2 to 4 times a day.

Any medication for stomatitis must be prescribed by a doctor. The symptoms of the varieties of the disease are similar and it is impossible to independently understand the cause of the inflammatory reactions.

What can you rinse your mouth with?

To treat pathology, you can use pharmaceutical drugs aimed at destroying bacteria, reducing inflammation and healing tissue.

Medicinal solutions that can be bought at the pharmacy:

• Aqualor with sea salt;
• Stomatofit, Dr. Theiss Sage based on sage;
• Romazulan with chamomile extract;
• Chlorhexidine (pre-diluted with water).

Decoctions and infusions for rinsing are easy to prepare at home from chamomile, calendula, aloe juice, sea buckthorn, linden flowers and other medicinal plants. A solution of salt and soda helps a lot.

Answers to popular questions

Which doctor treats stomatitis?

The dentist, if necessary, can refer the patient to other doctors.

Do I need to take antibiotics for stomatitis?

Some forms of stomatitis require the use of antibacterial agents, but in most cases this is not only useless, but even dangerous, since it can lead to dysbacteriosis. Antibiotics should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor in the prescribed dosage.

How long does it take to treat stomatitis?

Depends on the severity and form of the disease. On average 7-10 days.

Is stomatitis contagious?

Not all forms of stomatitis are contagious. Traumatic stomatitis is absolutely not contagious. If stomatitis is caused by viruses, such as herpes or measles, the risk of infection is very high.