Alternative names – herpetic, Swollen gums
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.
Stomatitis Symptoms
A person suffering from stomatitis finds it very difficult to take his meals because of pain. At times, he has to go without food altogether. On other occasions, he has to be content 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. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Swollen gums.
- Pain in mouth.
- Ulcers in the mouth, often on the tongue or cheeks — these form after the blister pops.
- Drooling.
- Blisters in the mouth, often on the tongue or cheeks.
Stomatitis Causes
Stomatitis may arise from a variety of causes. The most important cause which leads 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.
The inside of the cheeks and tongue frequently develop ulcers 1-5 mm in diameter with a grayish-white base and a reddish perimeter. These ulcers are very painful and cause drooling, difficulty swallowing, and decrease in food intake (although the patient may be hungry).
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPjcnfdC840
Home Remedies for Stomatitis
1. Lemon
The use of lemon (Bara nimbu). Taking a tablespoon of lemon juice daily before meals will correct the functioning of the stomach and help cure the condition. The patient should also gargle several times daily with lemon juice mixed in water. This gargle can be prepared by mixing 20 ml of lemon juice in 100 mt of hot water.
2. Mouthwash
Effective home remedy for stomatitis is the frequent use of a mouthwash containing a teaspoon each of salt and baking soda in a glass of warm water. This should be used every two to three hours to keep the mouth as clean as possible.
3. Alum
The use of alum (phitkari) is also valuable in stomatitis. The patient should gargle with alum diluted in hot water. Concentrated solution of alum may also be applied with the help of a swab on the ulcerated spots.
4. Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is of utmost importance in the treatment of stomatitis. The patient should carefully brush his teeth and gums so as to remove any foul material. He should also take multi-vitamin tables, especially those. high in vitamin B complex. This aid in recovery.
Useful References