Stomatitis: symptoms, causes and treatments to treat your mouth

Stomatitis: Definition, Causes, and Treatments

Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the oral mucosa, meaning the tissue that lines the inside of the mouth. It can be painful and may appear in different areas, such as the palate, tongue, inner cheeks, and the base of the gums. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective ways to relieve it is essential to restore optimal oral comfort.

Stomatitis definition

Stomatitis includes various forms of inflammation affecting the mouth. It often manifests as sores, redness, or ulcers, causing significant discomfort when chewing, speaking, or even at rest. This condition may be occasional or recurrent, depending on its origin.

Stomatitis symptoms

• Oral pain: ranging from mild discomfort to intense pain.

• Redness and inflammation: the affected area appears irritated.

• Sores and ulcers: similar to canker sores, sometimes more extensive.

• Swelling: swollen areas that are sensitive to touch.

• Difficulty eating or swallowing: due to inflammation.

• Other signs: fever, fatigue, altered sense of taste or smell.

The different types of stomatitis

Aphthous stomatitis

The most common type, characterized by small, painful lesions (canker sores).

Herpetic stomatitis

Caused by the herpes virus, accompanied by vesicles that may ulcerate.

Candidal stomatitis (Oral thrush)

Candidal stomatitis, more commonly known as oral thrush, is characterized by white patches on the tongue and inside the mouth, caused by a fungal infection.

Denture-related stomatitis

Linked to poor hygiene or improper fitting of dental prostheses.

Angular stomatitis

Cracks and redness at the corners of the lips, often affecting children and older adults.

Stomatitis causes

• Viral infections: herpes simplex virus (HSV), Coxsackie virus.

• Bacterial infections: streptococci, staphylococci.

• Fungal infections: oral candidiasis (thrush).

• Trauma: biting, burns, accidental injuries.

• Allergies: to certain foods or medications.

• Nutritional deficiencies: vitamin B12, iron, folic acid deficiency.

• Side effects of treatments: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, certain medications.

Stomatitis treatment: How to relieve and heal a mouth sore caused by stomatitis

Treatment depends on the cause, but several solutions help reduce inflammation and speed up healing:

• Antiviral, antifungal, or antibiotic medications depending on the origin of the infection.

• Painkillers or local anesthetic gels to relieve pain.

• Antiseptic mouthwashes to reduce bacteria and promote healing.

• Use of an ozone dental irrigator, such as Aquolab, to deeply and naturally clean, disinfect the oral cavity, and quickly soothe sores.

• Proper hydration and a soft diet to avoid aggravating lesions.

Natural stomatitis treatment: Ozone to treat bleeding in the mouth and speed up healing

Oral ozone therapy is increasingly used in dental hygiene. Thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, ozone helps to:

• Eliminate the pathogens responsible for stomatitis.

• Reduce bleeding in the mouth, especially in the gums.

• Accelerate the healing of oral sores and ulcers.

• Relieve pain and inflammation from the very first uses.

• An ozone dental irrigator is therefore an effective ally to complement oral hygiene and prevent recurrences.

Stomatitis: healing and prevention – 5 natural and essential hygiene habits

1. Maintain excellent oral hygiene: gentle brushing, preferably sonic, 2 to 3 times a day; regularly use an ozone toothpaste for optimal oral disinfection.

2. Use an ozone water flosser to disinfect your mouth, treat sores, and remove dental plaque from interdental spaces.

3. Avoid irritants: spicy foods, acidic drinks, tobacco, and alcohol.

4. Adopt a balanced and gentle diet: rich in vitamins and minerals, and avoid hard or aggressive foods.

5. Drink enough water to maintain good hydration of the oral mucosa.

✅ Conclusion
Stomatitis can quickly become uncomfortable and painful, but effective solutions exist to relieve symptoms and promote rapid healing. In addition to appropriate medical treatments, ozone is a natural and powerful solution to disinfect, soothe pain, and heal sores and bleeding in the mouth.

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene remains the best way to prevent recurrent stomatitis.

FAQ on Stomatitis

🔹 Understanding Stomatitis

What is oral stomatitis and how does it present?

Oral stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. It may present with redness, pain, burning sensations, canker sores, or ulcerations affecting the tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, or the palate. Symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity.

What is the difference between stomatitis and a canker sore?

A canker sore is a specific lesion, usually round and painful, whereas stomatitis is a broader term referring to any inflammation of the oral mucosa. Stomatitis may therefore include canker sores, as well as other types of lesions or irritations.

What are the different types of stomatitis?

There are several forms of stomatitis:

• aphthous stomatitis

• herpetic stomatitis

• candidal stomatitis (related to a fungal infection)

• traumatic stomatitis

• allergic or drug-induced stomatitis

Each type has specific causes and treatments.

🔹 Causes and Risk Factors of Stomatitis

What are the common causes of stomatitis in adults?

In adults, stomatitis may be caused by stress, weakened immunity, deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poorly fitted dental prostheses, or certain medications.

Can nutritional deficiencies cause stomatitis?

Yes, deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, or zinc are frequently associated with recurrent stomatitis. An unbalanced diet can weaken the oral mucosa and promote the development of lesions.

Can stress trigger stomatitis?

Stress is a well-recognized aggravating factor. It weakens the immune system and can promote the appearance of stomatitis, particularly aphthous stomatitis, especially in individuals prone to recurrence.

🔹 Contagiousness and Severity of Stomatitis

Is stomatitis contagious?

This depends on its cause.
Viral stomatitis, such as herpetic stomatitis, can be contagious through direct contact or shared objects.
Traumatic, allergic, or deficiency-related stomatitis is not contagious.

Can stomatitis become serious?

In most cases, stomatitis is benign. However, if lesions persist, worsen, or are accompanied by fever, swelling, or difficulty eating, medical consultation is essential.

🔹 Relieving and Treating Stomatitis

How can a painful stomatitis be relieved quickly?

To quickly relieve stomatitis, it is recommended to:

• use mild antiseptic mouthwashes

• apply a local anesthetic gel

• avoid acidic, spicy, or very hot foods

• maintain excellent oral hygiene

What natural treatments are available for stomatitis?

Some natural solutions may help:

• baking soda mouth rinses

• ozonated gels or toothpastes

• local application of soothing products

• adequate hydration and a soft diet

These solutions do not replace medical advice if symptoms persist.

Is ozone effective in treating stomatitis?

Yes, ozone is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. When used with a dental irrigator, mouthwash, or ozonated toothpaste, it helps disinfect lesions, reduce inflammation, limit bleeding, and accelerate healing.

🔹 Specific Cases of Stomatitis

Is stomatitis common in children?

Yes, children can develop stomatitis, often of viral origin or related to insufficient oral hygiene. It can cause significant pain and sometimes difficulty eating or speaking.

How is stomatitis treated in children?

Treatment is based on age-appropriate mouthwashes, soothing solutions, a cold and non-irritating diet, and medical follow-up if symptoms last more than a few days.

🔹 When and Whom to Consult for Stomatitis

When should you consult a healthcare professional for stomatitis?

It is recommended to consult a doctor or dentist if:

• stomatitis lasts longer than 10 to 14 days

• the pain is severe or prevents eating

• there is fever or significant swelling

• stomatitis is frequent or recurrent

Which healthcare professional should be consulted for stomatitis?

A dentist is often the first point of contact. If a systemic or infectious cause is suspected, a general practitioner or specialist may be required.

Example of daily routine for flawless oral hygiene

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Aquolab sonic toothbrush

ozonic toothpaste

aquolab ozone water flosser

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