Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral cavity that can affect the gums, tongue, palate, lips, and inner lining of the mouth.
It is a very common condition, often painful, that can affect both adults and children and make everyday actions such as eating, drinking, or speaking difficult.

WHAT IS STOMATITIS

The term stomatitis refers to various forms of inflammation of the mouth, which can appear with:

• oral burning
• redness of the mucosa
• canker sores and ulcerations
• gum swelling
• pain while chewing
• bad breath
• bleeding
• increased sensitivity
• fever in more severe cases

Stomatitis can appear suddenly or become recurrent over time.

CAUSES OF STOMATITIS

The causes can be multiple, and a proper clinical assessment is often necessary to identify the origin of the problem.

Among the most frequent causes, we find:

• lowering of the immune defenses
• physical or emotional stress
• viral, bacterial, or fungal infections
• trauma from orthodontic or prosthetic appliances
• vitamin deficiencies — iron, vitamin B12, folic acid
• smoking
• medications
• allergies or intolerances
• poor oral hygiene
• systemic diseases

In children, stomatitis can also occur after flu-like illnesses or viral infections.

WHEN TO SEEK URGENT DENTAL CARE

• the pain is very intense
• the lesions increase rapidly
• there is difficulty eating or drinking
• the mouth bleeds frequently
• stomatitis lasts longer than 7/10 days
• recurrent episodes occur
• there is significant swelling or suspected infection

TIMELY TREATMENT HELPS RELIEVE PAIN QUICKLY AND PREVENT COMPLICATIONS

Each patient is assessed in a personalized way to identify not only the symptom, but also the cause of the stomatitis.