Understanding Stomatitis: Causes and Remedies

It can be a symptom of another condition or a disorder on its own, but one thing is certain: stomatitis is a painful condition that can make everyday actions like speaking or eating difficult.

In general terms, stomatitis can be defined as an acute or chronic inflammation of the oral mucosa. It is characterized by painful lesions that may appear on the tongue, the inner cheeks, the gums, the lips, or, in some cases, throughout the entire mouth.

The causes are numerous, resulting in different types of stomatitis, all sharing the common feature of pain associated with the ulcers that develop in the oral cavity.

Let’s take a closer look at what stomatitis is, its causes, and possible remedies.

The most common symptoms of stomatitis are redness and swelling of the oral mucosa; these often develop into actual ulcers, which can bleed and are usually very uncomfortable. Additional symptoms frequently include a burning sensation in the mouth and a feeling of numbness or reduced sensitivity. In some forms of stomatitis, a slight fever may also be present.

As mentioned, the term “stomatitis” broadly refers to a state of inflammation in the mouth, which can be caused by various factors.

Stomatitis can result from infections caused by different microorganisms.

In the case of infection by the Herpes simplex virus — the microorganism most commonly responsible for cold sores — the condition is referred to as viral or herpetic stomatitis. The initial infection typically occurs during childhood; the virus is never fully eradicated but remains latent in the body, reactivating in susceptible individuals following periods of stress or a weakening of the immune defences. Symptoms include fluid-filled blisters that develop on the lips and also on the oral mucosa; when the gums are also involved, the condition is referred to as gingivostomatitis. Herpetic stomatitis is highly contagious and can give rise to fever reaching 40°C, general malaise, and severe pain at the sites of infection.

Unlike herpetic stomatitis, aphthous stomatitis is not contagious, despite presenting with comparable symptoms. The specific cause of this inflammatory condition is not yet fully understood, but likely depends on a combination of factors, and primarily affects younger individuals under the age of twenty. Although there is no specific treatment, aphthous stomatitis resolves spontaneously within one to two weeks without leaving any lasting effects.

Even certain types of parasitic fungi can cause stomatitis. One example is Candida albicans, whose uncontrolled growth leads to oral candidiasis, or thrush, which is particularly common in very young children but can also affect adults. In addition to the classic symptoms mentioned earlier, typical white, milky lesions appear inside the oral cavity.

Inflammation can also be triggered by exposure to specific substances: nicotine and certain medications (such as chemotherapy drugs) can damage the oral mucosa, leading to stomatitis. Many irritating or acidic substances, as well as liquids that are too hot or too cold, can cause oral lesions and ulcers.

Mechanical friction from dentures, implants, or orthodontic devices can also create lesions that develop into stomatitis.

Finally, stomatitis may be a symptom of systemic diseases, such as lupus or certain types of cancer, or result from nutrient deficiencies.