Do You Want to Feel the Pain of Albotyl? Exploring the Various Causes of Stomatitis.

Stomatitis is a common issue that causes significant discomfort in daily life. The causes of stomatitis are varied, and appropriate treatment and management methods differ depending on the cause. In this post, we will take an in-depth look at the various diseases that cause stomatitis and discuss their characteristics and treatment methods in detail.

 

Stomatitis can result from various underlying conditions, and each condition has different symptoms and treatment methods.

 

Aphthous Stomatitis: Common but Uncomfortable Mouth Ulcers

Aphthous stomatitis is a condition characterized by the recurrent appearance of small, round ulcers in the mouth. These can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, including the tongue, lips, and gums, and are often referred to as "tongue sores" when they appear on the tongue. The primary symptom is a painful ulcer, usually without itching or burning sensations.

Causes and Management

The exact cause of aphthous stomatitis is not known, but it is thought to be related to decreased immunity, excessive stress, and deficiencies in vitamins B and C. It is particularly common in infants and young children, whose immune systems are not fully developed, and in adults with weakened immune systems. In most cases, the ulcers heal naturally within one to two weeks without specific treatment and do not develop into severe conditions.

 

Candidal Stomatitis (Oral Thrush): A Fungal Infection Where Immunity Matters

Candidal stomatitis is a condition characterized by a heavy white coating on the tongue and white spots in the mouth. These spots can appear on the palate, cheek mucosa, lips, or any other part of the oral cavity and can be easily removed by brushing the tongue or using a hand, but this can cause wounds, bleeding, and pain if done excessively.

Causes and Management

Candidal stomatitis is caused by the fungus Candida. While this fungus normally exists in the human body, it proliferates rapidly when the immune system is weakened due to colds, acute infections, prolonged antibiotic use, or smoking, leading to stomatitis. People with dry mouth are more susceptible because the lack of antimicrobial agents in saliva makes infection and proliferation easier. Those with weakened immunity need to be cautious, as Candida can spread to the digestive tract, lungs, liver, and other organs. Treatment typically involves taking antifungal medications to eliminate Candida.

 

Lichen Planus: A Chronic Inflammatory Disease of the Mouth and Skin

Lichen planus is a condition that causes web-like patterns to form on the mucous membranes of the mouth or around the tongue. This chronic inflammatory disease can occur anywhere on the skin and mucous membranes, with symptoms varying by location. It can also spread to the nails, causing nail separation symptoms.

Causes and Management

The causes of lichen planus are thought to include stress, drug side effects, hepatitis C virus, and localized irritation. Physical irritation from dentures or orthodontic devices can also be a contributing factor. As a chronic disease, it has a long duration, and about 1-2% of cases can develop into oral cancer, according to the National Cancer Information Center. If diagnosed, it is crucial to undergo tests to confirm whether it has progressed to oral cancer.

 

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Common Viral Infection in Infants and Young Children

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is characterized by blistering rashes on the hands, feet, and oral mucosa. Symptoms include fever and lethargy, and the blisters in the mouth can rupture, leading to painful stomatitis. This can result in decreased appetite and symptoms of dehydration.

Causes and Management

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by enteroviruses, such as Coxsackievirus or Enterovirus. The virus enters the mouth and proliferates in the tissue below the intestinal mucosa, leading to symptoms like rashes and fever after an incubation period of 3-10 days. The disease usually resolves on its own within a week without specific treatment, but it is highly contagious, necessitating isolation. Cases surge between late May and early July, so caution is advised during this period.

 

Prevention and Management of Stomatitis

Maintaining immune health and oral hygiene is crucial to preventing and managing stomatitis. Since stomatitis can recur when immunity is lowered, it is important to manage stress healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to boost immunity.

Oral Health Management Methods

• Regular Brushing: Brush your teeth at least three times a day to prevent the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth.
• Using Mouthwash: Use mouthwash frequently to maintain oral cleanliness.
• Hydration: Drink water often to prevent dry mouth and control the acidity in the mouth, reducing bacteria.
• Nutrition: Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals to boost immunity and prevent the recurrence of stomatitis.

When Detailed Examination is Necessary

• When the area affected by stomatitis is excessively large
• When stomatitis recurs too frequently
• When ulcers appear on other parts of the body
• When the ulcer does not disappear even after 2-3 weeks

In such cases, it is important to visit a hospital for a detailed examination to check for systemic autoimmune diseases like Behcet's disease or oral cancer.

 

Conclusion

Stomatitis can result from various underlying conditions, and each condition has different symptoms and treatment methods. Understanding the characteristics of major conditions like aphthous stomatitis, candidal stomatitis, lichen planus, and hand, foot, and mouth disease, and following appropriate prevention and management strategies, can help effectively treat stomatitis. Enhancing immunity and thoroughly managing oral health can prevent the recurrence of stomatitis, and timely detailed examinations can ensure accurate diagnoses. By preventing and managing stomatitis, you can maintain a healthy and comfortable daily life.