Experts have identified simple ways to relieve the symptoms of stomatitis

Since childhood, we have been aware of the need for quality oral care, as it is a reliable way to keep our teeth and gums healthy. However, sometimes, even with proper care, unpleasant dental problems can develop for various reasons. One of the most common is stomatitis, an inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa.

Mouth ulcers can be quite painful, and recurrent stomatitis makes it difficult to communicate or eat and significantly reduces the quality of life. OBOZREVATEL has analysed the available information and talked about the causes of stomatitis and how to get rid of it.

Stomatitis begins with a slight tingling sensation and quickly progresses to painful ulcers that usually appear on the inside of the lips and cheeks, the side of the tongue, and the gums. The rashes usually resolve on their own within a few weeks, but they cause severe discomfort, so most people look for ways to relieve the pain and speed up the healing process.

What causes stomatitis?

There is no single cause of stomatitis, but Mayo Clinic experts name the following among the main ones:

Injury to the oral mucosa as a result of a dental procedure, excessive brushing, or an accidental bite;

An allergic reaction to certain bacteria in the mouth;

Food intolerance to certain foods, such as eggs, coffee, salty and sour foods;

Lack of vitamin B12, iron, folic acid and zinc in the body;

Certain substances in toothpastes or rinses;

Hormonal disorders or stress;

The presence of the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori in the body.

In addition, stomatitis can occur in the presence of certain comorbidities, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, HIV/AIDS, or a malfunctioning immune system that attacks its own healthy cells.

How to prevent stomatitis?

Any disease is easier to prevent, and stomatitis is no exception. If you are prone to relapses, you need to reconsider your lifestyle and follow certain medical advice.

Balance your diet. A lack of nutrients leads to a decrease in defences and an increased risk of disease. Therefore, it is necessary to get the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals from food that are necessary for the full functioning of the body.

At the same time, try to avoid foods that injure the oral mucosa or cause irritation. These can include chips, nuts, spices, etc. In addition, keep food allergens to a minimum.

Maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth regularly in the morning and evening, rinsing your mouth after eating, and flossing will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent bacterial growth. Use a soft toothbrush and avoid toothpastes or rinses that contain harmful substances, such as sodium lauryl sulfate.

If you wear braces or dentures, clean them regularly and consult your dentist to prevent oral injuries.

Avoid stress. If you notice that stress is having a detrimental effect on your body and causing a decrease in immunity, find an effective way to deal with it. Use something that works for you, such as dancing, meditation, or swimming, to calm yourself down.

How to treat stomatitis?

If it was not possible to prevent stomatitis, it should be remembered that any disease should be treated by a specialist, but you can alleviate your condition and speed up recovery on your own. Thus, the VeryWellHealth publication offered simple and effective ways.

Salt and soda. Studies show that simple substances found in every kitchen help healing by reducing the level of acid in the mouth. This can create an environment that makes it difficult for bacteria to grow.

For treatment, use a saline rinse solution by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, or prepare a paste from baking soda and a little water and apply it to the sores several times a day.

Hydrogen peroxide. It can protect against bacteria entering wounds. To do this, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and plain water, apply it to a cotton swab and apply to ulcers, avoiding swallowing.

Apple cider vinegar. This product has an antibacterial effect and can help with stomatitis. For rinsing, dissolve one teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. It should be noted that acid can damage tooth enamel, so this method should be used only once a day.

Alum. This food additive is used not only in cooking. Scientists note the effectiveness of alum in the treatment of aphthous stomatitis.

To reduce the size of the wound and relieve pain, prepare a thick paste of alum and water and apply it to the ulcer for at least a minute several times a day until it heals.

Honey. According to scientists, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, so it can reduce redness and ulceration, as well as prevent secondary infection. For relief, apply honey directly to the wound several times a day.

Milk of magnesia. This over-the-counter medicine contains magnesium hydroxide. According to a study, it can reduce pain and prevent irritation by neutralising the acid in the mouth and enveloping the ulcer.

As you can see, simple remedies for pain and inflammation can be found at home, but if your condition does not improve, you should not delay going to the doctor. Depending on the root cause, he or she will be able to prescribe effective antiviral, antibacterial, antihistamines or corticosteroids, and such therapy already requires specialist supervision.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about the nuances of daily oral care. The expert stressed that gums and tongue should not be neglected, and also emphasised the need for regular professional teeth cleaning.