It can be resulting from an infection, irritation, trauma to the mouth, or allergies.
Aphthousstomatitis is a common condition in which canker sores because of stomatitis come back on a fairly regular basis.
This article discusses what stomatitis is, why it occurs, and how it can be treated.
Mohd Akhir / EyeEm / Getty Images
For some people, stomatitis may just be annoying or mildly bothersome.
For others, it may be quite painful and make it difficult to eat and drink normally.
They also vary in size, but the majority of canker sores are quite small.
When stomatitis causes acold sore, you may first notice an area that feels itchy or tingly.
This usually progresses to a fluid-filled sore which will eventually burst and ooze.
After that, a yellow crust will form on top of the sore which will then scab and heal.
People who get cold sores often get them in the exact same place repeatedly.
In other cases, blood work orallergy testingmay be necessary.
Although, your dentist may send you to your regular healthcare provider for follow-up.
Is stomatitis bacterial or viral?
Stomatitis Treatment
Some cases of stomatitissuch as a mild case of canker soresrequire no treatment.
Simple canker sores will usually heal on their own within one to two weeks.
Also, home remedies like a saltwater solution can speed up healing.
When needed, treatment addresses the underlying cause.
For example, if stomatitis is triggered by tobacco use, then you will be advised to stop smoking.
An underlying allergy or infection may need to be identified and treated accordingly.
Do not use OTC products that contain ingredients you may be allergic to.
Some products may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Talk to your pharmacist about any concerns.
Avoiding spicy, acidic, or very hot foods will prevent further irritation and pain.
Good Oral and Dental Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is important while healing from stomatitis.
To ease stomatitis pain, you might try using a simple salt water rinse.
It’s important to take proper care of dentures to avoid this condition.
This will help to prevent and heal stomatitis.
Do not hesitate to seek help for worrisome symptoms.
Summary
Stomatitis has many potential causes including injury, allergies, bacterial infection, and nutritional deficiencies.
The condition comes with varying symptomsmost notably ulcers, sores, or blisters on lips or inside the mouth.
Most cases can be diagnosed with a physical exam and a review of your medical history.
Treatment options include OTC and prescription medications in either pill or topical cream/gel form.
Edgar NR, Saleh D, Miller RA.Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.
2017;10(3):26-36.
Plewa MC, Chatterjee K.Aphthous Stomatitis.
In: StatPearls [Internet].
Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2019 Jan-.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2015;(8):CD010095.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010095.pub2
American Academy of Family Physicians.Canker Sores.
B. Hennessy.Stomatitis (Oral Mucositis).
Merck Manual Professional Version.
2021;11(4):e2021099.
2017;77(5):795-806. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.02.019
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.Aphthous Stomatitis (Canker Sores).
2023;20(4):3029.
Published 2023 Feb 9. doi:10.3390/ijerph20043029
