Stomatitis, as it is properly known, is a painful inflammation of the lining connected to soft-tissue structures in the mouth. Apart from pain, it is also associated with swelling, redness, sometimes bad breath and occasionally bleeding around the affected area.
Liable to affect any age group, from infants to elderly individuals, it has a number of possible causes.
These causes include cheek biting, jagged teeth or poorly fitted dentures or braces. Constant breathing through the mouth as a result of congested nasal airways causes dryness of tissues in the mouth, leading to irritations.
Beverages that are too hot and burn the mouth may also result in pain and irritation.
Common cold-sores, leukemia and measles, as well as lack of vitamins, in particular vitamin C, can also trigger stomatitis.
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, and the inflammatory multisystem disorder Behcet's syndrome are other systemic disaeses often associated with the condition.
Canker sores, or RAU, as in recurrent aphthous ulcers, otherwise referred to as aphthous stomatitis, is presented by painful, shallow ulcers, ranging in size from pin-points to an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, generally situated on the floor or roof of the mouth, on cheeks, lips or gums.
The actual causes of these ulcers are unknown, but nutritional deficiencies, in particular a lack of iron, folate or vitamin B12, are suspected.
Contact, or general stomatitis can be a result of an excessive use of spices, alcohol, tobacco or hot food. A sensitivity to toothpaste, mouthwash or lipstick may equally be responsible, as can an exposure to heavy metals such as lead, bismuth or mercury.
The fungal infection known as thrush is a common type of stomatitis.
Treatments used are dependent on the underlying causes of the condition, although immaculate oral hygiene and local cleansing are fundamental.
Liable to affect any age group, from infants to elderly individuals, it has a number of possible causes.
These causes include cheek biting, jagged teeth or poorly fitted dentures or braces. Constant breathing through the mouth as a result of congested nasal airways causes dryness of tissues in the mouth, leading to irritations.
Beverages that are too hot and burn the mouth may also result in pain and irritation.
Common cold-sores, leukemia and measles, as well as lack of vitamins, in particular vitamin C, can also trigger stomatitis.
IBD, or inflammatory bowel disease, and the inflammatory multisystem disorder Behcet's syndrome are other systemic disaeses often associated with the condition.
Canker sores, or RAU, as in recurrent aphthous ulcers, otherwise referred to as aphthous stomatitis, is presented by painful, shallow ulcers, ranging in size from pin-points to an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, generally situated on the floor or roof of the mouth, on cheeks, lips or gums.
The actual causes of these ulcers are unknown, but nutritional deficiencies, in particular a lack of iron, folate or vitamin B12, are suspected.
Contact, or general stomatitis can be a result of an excessive use of spices, alcohol, tobacco or hot food. A sensitivity to toothpaste, mouthwash or lipstick may equally be responsible, as can an exposure to heavy metals such as lead, bismuth or mercury.
The fungal infection known as thrush is a common type of stomatitis.
Treatments used are dependent on the underlying causes of the condition, although immaculate oral hygiene and local cleansing are fundamental.
