Stomatitis

Stomatitis refers to inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the mouth.



It is a painful condition resulting from infection. Ulcers may form on the gums and the mouth, particularly between the teeth.



These ulcers contain numerous germs. Simple ulcers in the mouth, however, come and go spontaneously.



The disease is quite common both in adults and children.

Symptoms of Stomatitis:

A person suffering from stomatitis finds it very difficult to take his meals because of pain. At times, he has to go with small quantity of liquid food, which he gulps down with difficulty. He also feels pain and difficulty in talking. Other symptoms of stomatitis are excessive salivation, coated tongue, bright red mouth, irritability, vomiting after taking meals, reduced appetite and bad breath. The patient may also suffer from mild fever and constipation.

Causes of Stomatitis:

Stomatitis may arise from a variety of causes. The most important causes, which lead to this condition, are defective functioning of the stomach and indigestion. Poor oral hygiene and nutritional deficiencies are other main causes of stomatitis. The disease may also result from infection with Candida albicans (thrush) and infection with Vincent's Spirochaete (Vincent's angina). It may also be found in blood disease such as leukaemia.