A fairly common disease of the oral cavity is stomatitis. This pathology is observed in every fifth inhabitant of the planet, while the disease can proceed in different ways. In dentistry, stomatitis is usually called the development of the inflammatory process on the oral mucosa and the inside of the cheeks. An ailment is a reaction of the human body to an external stimulus. Previously, this disease was diagnosed, as a rule, in children, but today stomatitis on the cheeks is increasingly observed in adults. What caused this disease and how it proceeds, we will consider in this article.
Description
Never faced a similar phenomenon and do not know what stomatitis on the cheek looks like? Photos used as illustrations for the article will help you to make your own opinion about the whole "charm" of the disease. Pleasant, I must say, is not enough.
The disease manifests itself in the form of ulcers in the oral cavity, on the inside of the cheeks. It lasts up to fourteen days, after which it usually passes without leaving any traces. It is noteworthy that if the disease at least once made itself felt, there is a high probability of relapse, the frequency of which is very variable. According to statistics, people turn to specialists with similar complaints three or four times a year. Some are concerned about chronic stomatitis (in the mouth on the cheek, on the mucous membrane of the lips), in which new ulcers appear when the old ones have not yet had time to heal. This disease is considered to be contagious, although it all depends on the causes of its occurrence.
Types of Stomatitis
In both children and adults, different types of such a disease can be diagnosed. Stomatitis on the cheek is very common (photos showing the main manifestations of the disease are attached). Depending on the etiology, the following types of stomatitis are distinguished:
1. Bacterial - develops due to the presence of streptococci and staphylococci in the human oral cavity, which enter there through wounds on the cheek.
2. Traumatic - develops with repeated injuries of the mucosa, as well as in the presence of a diseased tooth, tooth fragments or malocclusion, the constant presence of tobacco smoke.
3. Herpetic stomatitis - occurs when the human immune system is weakened. In this case, the herpes virus even after the full course of treatment continues to remain in the body.
4. Candida stomatitis on the cheek inside the oral cavity most often develops in childhood. The reason is yeast-like fungi, which are formed as a result of prolonged use of antibiotics, as well as with a decrease in human immunity.
5. Allergic - develops as a body reaction to various allergens.
6. Aphthous - develops as a result of ingestion of a foreign body in the mouth and is a reaction of the body to this irritant.
7. Gangrenous stomatitis - develops most often in people who use drugs, as well as due to vitamin deficiency, infection of the oral cavity.
Reasons for the appearance
Today, experts call a large number of factors that can contribute to the development of stomatitis. In this case, the main reason for the development of the disease is considered to be the ingestion of a variety of bacteria into the human body, which leads to inflammation in the oral cavity, as a result of which ulcers form in its various areas. As you know, many bacteria are always present in the mouth, but in order for inflammation to begin, additional factors are required. Stomatitis on the inside of the cheek can develop due to malnutrition, lack of useful trace elements in the human body, injuries of the oral cavity, exposure to various chemicals on the mucous membrane.
Quite often, the disease occurs due to familiar things and non-compliance with hygiene rules or violation of safety rules:
- trauma to the oral cavity as a result of a cheek bite, eating solid food, a scratch on the cheek with a deformed tooth or crown, a denture;
- ingestion of alkalis and acids in the oral cavity, leading to chemical burns;
- violation of hygiene, which leads to the ingestion of pathogenic microbes and infections into the mouth;
- alcohol and smoking.
In some cases, stomatitis on the cheeks in the oral cavity can occur as a result of the presence of an infection in the body, oncology, disruption of the digestive tract, and also as a result of the treatment of malignant neoplasms (chemotherapy, radiation, etc.). Stomatitis often worries pregnant women, since during this period there is a hormonal restructuring of the body, and its protective functions are reduced. Some diseases, accompanied by fever, severe blood loss and dehydration, can also cause ulcers on the mucous membrane.
In this way, stomatitis on the cheek (inside the mouth) can be perceived as a kind of body signal, indicating the presence of health problems. This may be the progression of diseases of a chronic nature, or a decrease in the protective functions of the body. Of course, it is not recommended to ignore these "bells" (even if unpleasant symptoms go away by themselves in a couple of weeks) - contact your doctor on time! He will prescribe a competent, effective treatment and select the drugs that are right for you.
Symptoms and signs
It is interesting that different types of stomatitis can manifest themselves in different ways, have different symptoms and signs. If catarrhal stomatitis develops, ulcers and aphthae appear on the cheeks. Aphthae are round sores, on top of which a plaque of gray color is observed. They are not painful, do not cause discomfort, but if they reappear, it is possible to form scars that heal for a long time, while the cheek can be deformed. Often with stomatitis, the cheek swells, the mucous membrane turns red, a white coating appears.
With aphthous stomatitis, the appearance of aphthae and ulcers of different sizes is observed, which cause very painful sensations, while the lymph nodes increase in size, weakness and irritability appear.
Herpes stomatitis (most often appears on a child’s cheek) is characterized by an increase in body temperature, an upset gastrointestinal tract, and is accompanied by weakness and malaise. This disease is contagious and is caused by the herpes virus.
With allergic stomatitis, swelling of the soft tissues of the oral cavity is noted, which makes it difficult for a person to swallow, while the tongue increases in size and often does not fit in the mouth. Also, bubbles appear in the patient's mouth, which burst after some time and turn into ulcers. Ulcers can merge, forming a large lesion.
Bacterial stomatitis on the cheeks and palate is characterized by swelling and the appearance of deep ulcers (to the bone). If the disease is not treated, it leads to tissue necrosis.
In the case of traumatic stomatitis , erosion, ulcers, ulcers or wounds with a white coating appear on the affected area. Gradually, the area begins to swell, redness and swelling appear. In some cases, tissue necrosis is possible, usually after a serious injury. Often stomatitis on the cheek inside (photos illustrating the manifestations of this disease, to put it mildly, are unpleasant) of the oral cavity is accompanied by a fungal infection.
With gangrenous stomatitis, the patient has a pain in the mouth, since there are necrotic areas. Blood coagulation worsens, the patient stops eating and drinking, he has erosion and a rash, his body temperature rises, fistulas form on the gums, cheeks, jaw and tongue. Tissue necrosis gradually develops, encephalitis and even blood poisoning are possible.
Diagnostics
It would seem that the diagnosis of stomatitis is a simple task. But the disease can be caused by many pathogens and is provoked by various factors that need to be determined by the attending physician. Therefore, a specialist must definitely prescribe a clinical blood test, examine the blood for glucose, and also conduct PCR and bacteriosis from the oral cavity. The interrogation and examination of the patient also contributes to the identification of the nature of the disease. Before making a diagnosis, determine the form of the disease, taking into account the results of tests, tests and a medical history.
Diagnosis of pregnant
Diagnosis of this disease in pregnant women is not much different from the standard procedure. The difference is that the illness in expectant mothers lasts longer, sometimes throughout pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the immune system of women in a weakened position, the hormonal background changes.
Prevention
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Preventive measures to prevent the development of this disease include the following actions:
- hygiene of the oral cavity, hands;
- refusal of alcohol and smoking, drugs;
- timely visits to the dentist and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases;
- prevention of injury to the oral cavity;
- restriction of any contact with patients with stomatitis.
Prevention measures should be carried out immediately after the child was born. Then stomatitis on the cheeks of the child (photos of suffering children cause sincere pity and compassion) will not appear. Important here is the care of the oral cavity and adherence to the feeding regime of the child. In preschool and school age, children are most susceptible to this disease, so parents should explain the rules of hygiene to children.
Stomatitis on the cheek: treatment
It is unlikely that it will be possible to cure stomatitis with folk remedies alone, medicines are needed here that eliminate pathogenic bacteria, heal wounds, and restore the acidity and microflora of the oral mucosa. Usually, antibiotics, antiseptics, vitamins are used as medicines. The treatment regimen for stomatitis depends on its etiology, variety. Let us consider this question in more detail.
Candida stomatitis treatment
This type of disease is presented in the mildest form, so treatment can last only a few days. To recover, it is enough to rinse the oral cavity with special disinfecting solutions. This can be potassium permanganate, herbal infusions and decoctions, hydrogen peroxide, Chlorhexidine, Iodinol, Furacilin and so on. It is also recommended to take drugs to increase immunity.
Treatment of herpes stomatitis
First of all, immunostimulating and antiviral drugs are prescribed. It can be Zovirax, Anaferon and others. To eliminate ulcers, use lugol, brilliant green, "Chrysal" - they need to be applied to damaged areas several times a day with a tampon. Antifungal ointments are also used: oxolinic, interferon and others. After eating, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with a decoction of calendula.
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis
If a child falls ill, they give him antipyretic drugs, painkillers and antiseptics. Well in this case, a solution of furatsilina, gramicidin paste is suitable. After eating, you need to rinse your mouth with infusions of herbs (chamomile, sage, oak bark). Adults are prescribed drugs aimed at removing intoxication, improving the state of the immune system. Often prescribed "Amiksin", "Diflucan", "Claritin", vitamins and immunostimulants. In any case, the doctor should prescribe antibiotics and antiseptics. A solution of tannin is used to heal ulcers. it is very important to follow a special diet during the treatment period.
Allergic stomatitis treatment
Treatment of allergic stomatitis should be comprehensive. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the effect of the allergen. The patient is prescribed a diet, mineral water is excluded from the diet. To treat this type of ailment, antihistamines (Suprastin, Clarotadine, etc.) and vitamins of the B, C and PP groups are used. You also need to take folic acid. Areas that are inflamed are recommended to be treated in the same way as in the treatment of other types of stomatitis.
Treatment of traumatic stomatitis
Depending on the nature of the lesion of the oral cavity, a course of therapy is prescribed. Treatment should begin with the elimination of the cause of the disease. Then follows the treatment of the oral cavity. To do this, use a solution based on hydrogen peroxide or a solution of furatsilina. Also, drugs can be prescribed to the patient to fight the infection, relieve inflammation. It uses the same means as in the treatment of other types of stomatitis. Often use painkillers.
Treatment of bacterial stomatitis
If the cheek is swollen with stomatitis and ulcers appear in the oral cavity, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. In principle, the treatment regimen is the same as with other types of disease. In case of tissue necrosis, surgery is necessary, after which the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment. Immunostimulants play an important role - they help to cope with the disease much faster.
Gangrenous stomatitis treatment
Treatment of this type of disease is carried out only in a hospital. The patient is transfused with blood, the affected areas are eliminated by surgical intervention. The doctor prescribes a complex of vitamins, recommends enhanced nutrition, the oral cavity is washed with potassium permanganate, antibiotics are prescribed. It is quite difficult to cure gangrenous stomatitis, often people die from this ailment, therefore it is better not to allow complications, and to heal the ailment in time.
The best treatment regimen
As already noted, treatment depends on the etiology, type and form of the disease, as well as on the characteristics of the patient. After conducting research and laboratory tests and making a diagnosis, the attending physician selects a treatment regimen aimed at eliminating the causes of the disease, as well as at preventing relapse. The course of treatment involves the use of drugs of various effects:
- painkillers;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antihistamines;
- antiviral;
- immunomodulators;
- vitamin therapy.
The attending physician individually selects a set of measures aimed at eliminating the ailment.
Stomatitis today is not such a terrible disease, but rather unpleasant. Its development can be prevented, and correctly and on time selected treatment makes it possible to completely restore the body and not give the chance of a disease to bother you again.