Aphthous stomatitis

A disease such as candidiasis of the oral mucosa (aphthous stomatitis) is the appearance of foci of inflammation on the surface of the oral mucosa, in which round ulcers (harp) appear. Such ulcers can form on the surface of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, and the palate, causing a painful sensation. Ulcers can be covered with a grayish or yellow coating. It is not uncommon for such a disease to become chronic and periodically exacerbate.

Causes of aphthous stomatitis

There are several reasons why a sore on the mucous membrane can form, and they are divided into local, that is, caused by single factors and systemic.

Specialists of the Amel Dental Clinic refer to single reasons:

• 1
  Various allergic reactions
• 2
  Ingestion of pathogenic microorganisms into the oral cavity
• 3
  Damage to the surface of soft tissues in contact with teeth, orthodontic structures and other sharp objects
• 4
  Influence of temperature factors or chemically active substances

For systemic reasons, aphthous stomatitis occurs in the following cases:

• During the menstrual cycle or pregnancy in women
• Smoking cessation abruptly
• Disorders associated with the gastrointestinal tract
• Various blood diseases
• Disorders in the body’s immune system
• Low amount of vitamins consumed by humans
• Systemic diseases such as HIV, for example

Depending on the causes of the occurrence, the doctor prescribes treatment for stomatitis and gives recommendations on preventing the recurrence of the disease.

Symptoms of the disease

The development of inflammation in the early stages can be accompanied by a burning sensation in the affected areas and the occurrence of hypersensitivity. Unpleasant sensations can occur when eating or drinking.

Also, the symptoms of aphthous stomatitis are manifested in the appearance of round ulcers, the diameter of which is less than 1 centimeter and which are located on the soft tissues of the mucous surface in the mouth and, at the initial stage, stand out with redness. With development, the ulcers are covered with a bloom of yellowish or gray.

Treatment of aphthous stomatitis at Amel Dental Clinic

At the first visit to the Amel Dental Clinic, the doctor examines the patient who has mouth ulcers to make the correct diagnosis.

Used for diagnostics:

• 1
  Oral swab test to identify microflora
• 2
  Clinical blood test or PCR to identify the cause of the disease
• 3
  A biopsy may be ordered if indicated

Such analyzes are necessary in cases of extensive damage to the oral cavity. In simple cases, an experienced doctor at the Amel Clinic will visually identify aphthae.

After determining the causes of the disease and the stage at which it is located, the doctor prescribes a course of treatment. For example, treating acute aphthous stomatitis is different from treating simple forms of the disease.

The main goal of treatment is to completely get rid of the causes of stomatitis and stop its recurrence and development.

Treatments for symptoms of the disease include:

• Rinsing with special anti-inflammatory and antibacterial solutions, possibly with sprays
• Application of a medical gel with the same properties to ulcers
• In difficult cases, in the Amel Dental Clinic, an injection of medicines under the affected areas can be applied

In the long-term treatment of systemic diseases in adult patients, antiallergic and decongestant drugs, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunomodulators are used.

When treating, it is worth refusing to eat too hot or cold food, spicy foods and foods that can irritate the oral mucosa.

The specialists of the Amel Dental Clinic strongly recommend that patients not use medications that have not been prescribed by a doctor, and also self-medicate. This can lead to complications and lengthy, additional treatment.

In addition, clinics recommend observing individual oral hygiene, which will reduce the risk of the onset and development of the disease. Also, it is recommended to carry out vitamin therapy to maintain a high level of immunity in the body.

Aphthous stomatitis in children – the difference between treatment and adults

In general, aphthous stomatitis in a child is diagnosed and treated according to the same principles as in adults, however, there are some differences.

The dentist at the Amel clinic can accept the child either after the referral of the pediatrician, who also accepts at the clinic, or if the parents themselves have discovered ulcers in the mouth of the little patient.

The difference in the treatment of stomatitis in children is that instead of sprays and solutions, the doctor will recommend treatment with gels that are applied directly to the inflamed areas. Treatment will also be prescribed individually, based on the extent of the lesion and the diagnosis made by the doctor.