Aphthous stomatitis

Understanding aphthous stomatitis: causes and treatment

Understanding aphthous stomatitis: causes and treatment

About the Symptom

Aphtous stomatitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, characterized by the appearance of painful ulcers on the mucosa of the lips, tongue, or inside the cheeks. One of the main symptoms of aphtous stomatitis is the formation of white or yellowish ulcers surrounded by a bright red border.

Patients suffering from aphtous stomatitis often experience pain and discomfort when eating, speaking, or even just moving their mouth. Additionally, there may be a rise in body temperature, swelling, and inflammation of the mucous membrane. Some individuals may also experience weakness and a decline in general well-being.

Diseases

Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. It is characterized by the appearance of painful ulcers on the mucous membrane of the mouth. This type of stomatitis can occur in anyone, but particularly affects children and adolescents.

Unlike herpes stomatitis, caused by a virus, aphthous stomatitis is not an infectious disease. Its occurrence is associated with disturbances in the immune system or other factors, such as stress, poor nutrition, allergies, and certain internal organ diseases.

List of diseases accompanied by aphthous stomatitis:

  • Gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum);
  • Gastroesophageal reflux;
  • Celiac disease;
  • Vitamin deficiencies (especially deficiencies of B vitamins);
  • Autoimmune diseases;
  • Diabetes mellitus;
  • Irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis begins with a visit to the dentist, who will examine the oral cavity and collect the patient’s medical history. The identification of aphthous stomatitis includes the exclusion of other possible causes of ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity. In the diagnostic process, the doctor considers the nature of the ulcers, their quantity, localization, and accompanying symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease.

To clarify the diagnosis, additional investigation methods may be used, such as biopsy of the ulcerative lesions, bacteriological analyses, immunological tests, etc. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor determines the treatment strategy for aphthous stomatitis, selects the necessary medications, and recommends further steps for the patient to combat this condition.

Diagnostic services:

  • Visual examination of the oral cavity
  • Collection of medical history
  • Biopsy of ulcerative lesions
  • Bacteriological analyses
  • Immunological tests

Which doctor to consult

If you suspect aphthous stomatitis, it is important to consult a dentist. A dentist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral cavity diseases, including aphthous stomatitis. A qualified specialist will help determine the type and stage of the disease and suggest effective treatment.

In some cases, especially if aphthous stomatitis is associated with general diseases or has a recurring nature, the doctor may recommend consultation with other specialists, such as a therapist, immunologist, or allergist.

Medical directions for treating aphthous stomatitis:

  • Dentistry
  • Therapy
  • Immunology
  • Allergology

Types of Aphthous Stomatitis

Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common diseases of the oral cavity. There are several types of this disease, each with its own features and specific manifestations.

The main types of aphthous stomatitis:

  • Herpetic stomatitis. This type is caused by the herpes virus and is characterized by the formation of painful ulcerative defects on the oral mucosa.
  • Partially necrotic stomatitis. A distinctive feature of this type is the presence of deep ulcerative defects with necrotic content.
  • Allergic stomatitis. It manifests as redness of the mucous membrane, itching and swelling, as well as the appearance of ulcers and blisters.
  • Traumatic stomatitis. It is caused by damage to the oral mucosa, for example, from bites or injury when wearing dental prostheses.

Causes of Aphthous Stomatitis

Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common types of inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. Its occurrence can be caused by various factors, including:
1. Immunological disorders: a decrease in immunity can lead to an increased risk of developing aphthous stomatitis.
2. Genetic predisposition: some people may be genetically predisposed to the appearance of this disease.
3. Mechanical trauma to the mucous membrane: trauma to the mouth from bites, improper bite, wearing braces, as well as improper use of toothbrushes or dental floss can contribute to the development of aphthous stomatitis.
4. Stress and nervous tension: psycho-emotional factors can be one of the reasons for the onset of this disease.
5. Viral infections: some viruses may also contribute to the development of aphthous stomatitis.

Knowing the causes of aphthous stomatitis will help take timely measures for its prevention and treatment.

Common Related Pathologies

Aphthous stomatitis, despite its localization in the oral cavity, may be associated with various medical conditions. It is often observed in combination with gastrointestinal diseases, such as stomach or intestinal ulcers. This may be related to common factors, such as immunodeficiency states or digestive disorders, which contribute to the development of ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally, some patients with aphthous stomatitis may have allergic reactions to certain food products or medications, which can also exacerbate the symptoms of the disease. It is important to pay attention to comorbidities and conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the possible impact of associated pathologies on the development of aphthous stomatitis.

  • Stomach ulcer
  • Intestinal ulcer
  • Immunodeficiency states
  • Allergic reactions to food products
  • Allergic reactions to medications

Expert Opinion

Aphthous stomatitis is a common oral condition that can cause discomfort and pain. According to leading specialists in the field of dentistry, the causes of aphthous stomatitis can vary, including immune system disorders, stressful situations, viral infections, or allergic reactions.

Experts recommend consulting a dentist at the first signs of aphthous stomatitis, such as the appearance of ulcerative lesions in the mouth or pain in the mucous membranes. Specialists will perform a diagnosis and help choose the optimal treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrences.

  • Oral cavity examination
  • Immunological tests
  • Consultation with a therapist or allergist

Treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis

The treatment of aphthous stomatitis involves a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing pain, accelerating the healing of ulcers, and preventing recurrences of the disease. At the first signs of aphthous stomatitis, it is necessary to consult a dentist for diagnosis and appropriate therapy.

Local treatments for aphthous stomatitis may include mouth rinses with special solutions, the use of gels and ointments for treating ulcers, as well as systemic medications to improve immunity and reduce inflammation. An important aspect of treating aphthous stomatitis is also maintaining proper nutrition and oral hygiene.

  • Rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solutions
  • Using local agents for ulcer treatment
  • Taking systemic medications as recommended by a doctor
  • Maintaining proper nutrition and oral hygiene

Complications of Aphthous Stomatitis

Although aphthous stomatitis is usually considered a minor oral condition, in some cases it can lead to various complications that require special attention and treatment.

Complications of aphthous stomatitis may include:

  • Infections: open sores in the mouth create favorable conditions for the entry of various bacteria and viruses, which can lead to infection.
  • Pain and discomfort: large sores can cause significant pain and discomfort when eating and speaking.
  • Spread: in rare cases, aphthous stomatitis can spread across the mucous membrane of the mouth, causing even more sores and inflammation.

FAQ

How can the occurrence of aphthous stomatitis be prevented?

To prevent the occurrence of aphthous stomatitis, it is recommended to maintain oral hygiene, including regular brushing of teeth and tongue, avoid injuring the mucous membrane, strengthen the immune system through a balanced diet, and avoid stressful situations. Additionally, it is important to see a dentist regularly for preventive check-ups, which will help identify and timely treat any changes in the oral cavity.

What factors can contribute to the onset of aphthous stomatitis?

One of the factors contributing to the development of aphthous stomatitis is dysbiosis of the oral cavity, which disrupts the microbial community of the mucous membrane. The risk of the disease also increases in the presence of allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, or digestive disorders. Hormonal changes, stress, and a deficiency of certain vitamins or microelements may also play a role.

How can a person’s emotional state influence the development of aphthous stomatitis?

One of the factors influencing the development of aphthous stomatitis is a person’s emotional state. Stress, nervous tension, and psychological problems can lead to a decrease in the body’s immunity, which contributes to the appearance of ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity. Psychosocial tension can negatively affect the functioning of the immune system, facilitating the infectious background and creating conditions for the development of aphthous ulcers.

The diagnosis of aphthous stomatitis primarily relies on clinical evaluation, where the characteristic appearance of the lesions—painful, shallow ulcers with a gray or whitish base and a red halo—is assessed. Complementary diagnostic methods may include a thorough patient history to identify potential triggers, such as stress or nutritional deficiencies, and the exclusion of other conditions that may present similarly, such as herpes simplex virus infections or Behçet’s disease. Laboratory tests, including blood tests to evaluate for underlying systemic issues like iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency, may also be utilized to aid in confirming the diagnosis. However, a definitive diagnosis is often established based on clinical findings and patient history alone, as no specific diagnostic test exists for aphthous stomatitis.

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