STOMATITIS BASIC INFORMATION DESCRIPTION A generalized inflammation of the mouth (including the oral mucus, lips, tongue, and palate). There are two main types: acute herpetic stomatitis and aphthous stomatitis (canker sore) which is the most common. Other forms include gingivitis, periodontitis, candidiasis (thrush), and Vincent's angina. Stomatitis may be a sign of a more serious, underlying disorder. FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS The signs and symptoms will vary depending on type. Inflammation of the mouth. Redness and bleeding. minimal to severe pain. Mouth sores. Bad breath. May be accompanied by lack of appetite, lethargy, fever, and irritability. CAUSES Infection. Trauma. Dryness. Irritants. Toxic agents. Hypersensitivity. Autoimmune conditions. Vitamin deficiency. Anemia. Sometimes cause is unknown. RISK INCREASES WITH Allergies to food or drugs. Smoking. Dentures. Emotional stress, anxiety. Jagged teeth. Radiation therapy. Chemotherapy. Excessive use of alcohol, hot foods or spices. Sensitivity to mouthwashes, candy dyes, lipstick. Side effect of medications. Occupational exposure to dyes, heavy metals, acid fume, mineral dust. PREVENTIVE MEASURES Avoidance where possible of any risk factors. EXPECTED OUTCOME Healing within one to two weeks for most, two to three weeks for others. Some may require treatment and others heal on their own. Other outcomes dependent on underlying disorder. POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS May recur after treatment. Underlying disorder may have serious complications. TREATMENT GENERAL MEASURES Treatment will vary depending on the cause. Sometimes this is difficult to determine. Physical examination is necessary, and occasionally, smears or cultures of the lesions will disclose the causative agent. Careful oral hygiene is important. Stop smoking. Have dentures checked for proper fit. MEDICATION Medications will be directed specifically to the underlying cause where it can be determined. Mouth rinses or oral lozenges may be prescribed. Topical anesthetic medications may be useful. Antifungal, antibacterial or topical steroid medications if causative agent is identified. Vitamin supplements if needed. ACTIVITY No restrictions. DIET May want to avoid spicy foods or foods that are hard, sharp or dry. Avoid any foods that cause an allergic reaction. NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF You or a family member has signs or symptoms of stomatitis. Symptoms worsen after treatment begins. New or unexplained symptoms develop.  Drugs used in treatment may cause side effects.