Stomatitis

Stomatitis can have different causes, including infection, irritation, medication-related mucosal injury, or another inflammatory process. The same symptom can occur with more than one cause. An examination is needed to decide which explanation fits the oral findings and history.

Stomatitis may appear as one open sore or several painful lesions. Cold sores often start with tingling or burning and form blisters before crusting, whereas canker sores are not contagious and may have a pale or yellow centre with a red rim.

A sore lasting longer than two weeks, large white patches, fever, rash, drooling or difficulty swallowing needs prompt attention. A mouth ulcer that does not heal can be the first sign of some cancers.

The mouth and tongue are examined closely, with questions about symptoms, medical history and medicines. The site of the sore, its appearance and whether it began after a medicine are useful diagnostic details.

Treatment can numb painful areas with lidocaine, use antiviral medicine for herpes sores, apply steroid gel, reduce inflammation with a paste, or use chlorhexidine mouthwash. Treating a known cause and avoiding hot or spicy food can ease ulcer discomfort.

Treatment can range from medicine rubbed directly on an ulcer to antiviral treatment for herpes sores. The mouth examination identifies whether a sore has a cause that needs targeted treatment.

Mouth ulcers can be linked to infection, oral thrush, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus or oral cancer. Persistent ulcers need attention because some cancers first appear as a mouth ulcer that does not heal.

Brush twice a day, floss daily and keep regular dental cleanings. Avoid very hot foods and drinks, use a soft-bristle toothbrush, and address a sharp tooth, broken tooth or poorly fitting denture that irritates the mouth.