Stomatitis

What is Stomatitis

Stomatitis is a condition that causes swelling (inflammation) in your mouth. It can affect all or part of the inside of the mouth. The condition often affects your cheek, teeth, gums, lips, and tongue. It can also affect the tissues that produce mucus in your mouth (mucosa).

Pain from stomatitis can make it hard for you to eat or drink. Very bad cases of this condition can lead to:

  • Not getting enough fluid in your body (dehydration).
  • Poor nutrition.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • If you were given an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medicine even if you start to feel better.
  • Do not use products that contain benzocaine in children who are younger than 2 years.
  • Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.

Eating and drinking

  • Eat a balanced diet.
  • Do not eat:
    • Spicy foods.
    • Citrus, such as oranges.
    • Foods that have sharp edges, such as chips.
  • Do not eat any foods that you think may be causing this condition.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow. This will keep you hydrated.

Lifestyle

  • Take good care of your mouth and teeth (oral hygiene):
    • Gently brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Do this 2 times each day.
    • Floss your teeth every day.
    • Have your teeth cleaned regularly. Do this as told by your dentist.
  • If you have dentures, make sure that they fit the way that they should.
  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
  • Find ways to lower your stress. Try yoga or meditation. Ask your doctor for other ideas.

General instructions

  • Use a salt–water rinse for pain as told by your doctor.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Your symptoms get worse.
  • You have new symptoms, like:
    • A rash.
    • New symptoms that do not involve your mouth area.
  • Your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks.
  • Your symptoms go away and then come back.
  • You are more tired.
  • You feel weaker.
  • You stop feeling hungry.
  • You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).

Get help right away if you:

  • Have a fever.
  • Are not able to eat or drink.
  • Have a lot of bleeding in your mouth.

Summary

  • Stomatitis is a condition that causes swelling in your mouth.
  • Pain from stomatitis can make it hard for you to eat or drink. Very bad cases of this condition can lead to not getting enough fluid in your body or poor nutrition.
  • Take medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • Follow instructions from your doctor on diet and lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms.
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