Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity is called stomatitis in medicine.
Most often, the disease affects children, but today it is also a problem for adults.
Causes of stomatitis
- Various pathogens – bacteria and viruses. Of course, the bacterial microflora of the oral cavity is present in everyone, but if the right conditions are created for their development, the oral mucosa can become inflamed.
- Malnutrition – Often, stomatitis can be caused by a lack of certain substances, such as vitamin B, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
- Mechanical injury of the mucous membrane – Patients often report that there are various mechanical effects in the origin of stomatitis, such as burns or wounds, consumption of very bitter and sharp products, drinking hot water, sharp teeth parts.
Factors that increase the risk of stomatitis
- Lack of hygiene when eating food – eating fruits and vegetables, not washing hands, not brushing teeth regularly;
- When using toothpaste that contains a lot of sodium sulfate for regular brushing. This substance reduces salivation and the mucous membrane becomes dry and prone to injury;
- Decreased salivation even when taking diuretics;
- When dentures are placed – they are made of poor quality material or the size is chosen incorrectly;
- Drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco products can cause sores on the mucous membranes of the mouth, which can lead to bacterial overgrowth.
Note: stomatitis can also occur as a result of various general diseases of the body, for example, oncological diseases of the ENT organs, dehydration (as a result of repeated vomiting and diarrhea), hormonal changes, especially menopause, During menopause, the origin of stomatitis is often observed in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract – colitis, gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
