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What does incipient stomatitis look like in children? Features of stomatitis in children: what causes it, symptoms and treatment methods

Inflammatory disease mucous membrane oral cavity, more often of infectious or allergic origin. Stomatitis in children is manifested by local symptoms (hyperemia, swelling, rashes, plaque, ulcers on the mucous membrane) and a violation of the general condition (fever, refusal to eat, weakness, adynamia, etc.). Recognition of stomatitis in children and its etiology is carried out by a pediatric dentist based on an examination of the oral cavity and additional laboratory tests. Treatment of stomatitis in children includes local treatment of the oral cavity and systemic etiotropic therapy.

General information

Causes of stomatitis in children

The condition of the oral mucosa depends on the influence of external (infectious, mechanical, chemical, physical agents) and internal factors (genetic and age characteristics, immunity status, concomitant diseases).

Viral stomatitis ranks first in terms of frequency of spread; of these, at least 80% of cases are herpetic stomatitis in children. Less commonly, stomatitis of viral etiology develops in children against the background of chickenpox, measles, influenza, rubella, infectious mononucleosis, adenovirus, papillomavirus, enterovirus, HIV infection, etc.

Stomatitis of bacterial etiology in children can be caused by staphylococcus, streptococcus, as well as pathogens specific infections– diphtheria, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, syphilis. Symptomatic stomatitis in children develops against the background of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, duodenitis, enteritis, colitis, intestinal dysbiosis), blood system, endocrine, nervous system, helminthic infestations.

Traumatic stomatitis in children occurs due to mechanical trauma to the oral mucosa with a pacifier or toy; teething or biting lips, cheeks, tongue; brushing teeth; burns to the oral cavity from hot food (tea, soup, jelly, milk), damage to the mucous membrane during dental procedures.

Allergic stomatitis in children can develop as a reaction to local exposure to an allergen (ingredients of toothpaste, lozenges or chewing gum with artificial colors and flavors, medicines, etc.).

Prematurity, poor oral hygiene, accumulation of dental plaque, caries, wearing braces, frequent general morbidity, deficiency of vitamins and microelements (B vitamins, folic acid, zinc, selenium, etc.), the use of medications that change the microflora of the oral cavity and intestines (antibiotics, hormones, chemotherapy drugs).

The mucous membrane of the oral cavity in children is thin and easily injured, so it can be injured even with a slight impact on it. The microflora of the oral cavity is very heterogeneous and is subject to significant fluctuations depending on nutritional habits, the state of the immune system and concomitant diseases. When the defenses are weakened, even representatives of the normal microflora of the oral cavity (fusobacteria, bacteroides, streptococci, etc.) can cause inflammation. The barrier properties of saliva in children are poorly expressed due to the insufficient functioning of local immune factors (enzymes, immunoglobulins, T-lymphocytes and other physiologically active substances). All these circumstances determine the frequent incidence of stomatitis in children.

Symptoms of stomatitis in children

Viral stomatitis in children

The course and features of herpetic stomatitis in children are discussed in detail in the corresponding article, so in this review we will focus on the general signs of viral damage to the oral cavity that are characteristic of various infections.

The main symptom of viral stomatitis in children is the appearance of quickly opening blisters on the oral mucosa, in place of which small round or oval erosions, covered with fibrinous plaque, then form. Vesicles and erosions can appear as separate elements or have the character of defects merging with each other.

They are extremely painful and, as a rule, are located against the background of a brightly hyperemic mucous membrane of the palate, tongue, cheeks, lips, and larynx. Local manifestations of viral stomatitis in children are combined with other signs of infection caused by this virus (skin rash, fever, intoxication, lymphadenitis, conjunctivitis, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.) Erosions are epithelialized without a scar.

Candidal stomatitis in children

The development of specific local symptoms of candidal stomatitis in children is preceded by excessive dryness of the mucous membrane, a burning sensation and an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and bad breath. Infants are capricious while eating, refuse the breast or bottle, behave restlessly, and sleep poorly. Soon, small white dots appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue and gums, which, merging, form a rich white plaque of a cheesy consistency.

In severe forms of candidal stomatitis in children, the plaque acquires a dirty gray tint and is difficult to remove from the mucous membrane, revealing a swollen surface that bleeds at the slightest touch.

In addition to pseudomembranous candidal stomatitis described above, atrophic candidal stomatitis occurs in children. It usually develops in children wearing orthodontic appliances and occurs with scant symptoms: redness, burning, dryness of the mucous membrane. Plaque is found only in the folds of the cheeks and lips.

Repeated episodes of candidal stomatitis in children may indicate the presence of other serious illnesses– diabetes mellitus, leukemia, HIV. Complications of fungal stomatitis in children may include genital candidiasis (vulvitis in girls, balanoposthitis in boys), visceral candidiasis (esophagitis, enterocolitis, pneumonia, cystitis, arthritis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, ventriculitis, encephalitis, brain microabscesses), candidosepsis.

Bacterial stomatitis in children

The most common type of bacterial stomatitis in childhood is impetiginous stomatitis. It is indicated by a combination of the following local and common features: dark red color of the oral mucosa with merging superficial erosions; the formation of yellow crusts that stick together the lips; increased salivation; unpleasant putrid odor from the mouth; low-grade or febrile temperature.

With diphtheria stomatitis in children, fibrinous films form in the oral cavity, after removal of which an inflamed, bleeding surface is exposed. With scarlet fever, the tongue is covered with a dense whitish coating; after its removal, the tongue becomes bright crimson in color.

Gonorrheal stomatitis in children is usually combined with gonorrheal conjunctivitis, in rare cases - with arthritis of the temporomandibular joint. The child becomes infected when passing through the infected genital tract of the mother during childbirth. The mucous membrane of the palate, back of the tongue, lips is bright red, sometimes lilac-red, with limited erosions, from which yellowish exudate is released.

Aphthous stomatitis in children

Prevention of stomatitis in children

Prevention of stomatitis in children consists of eliminating any microtraumas, careful hygienic care of the oral cavity, and treatment of concomitant pathologies. To reduce the risk of stomatitis in infants, it is important to regularly disinfect pacifiers, bottles, and toys; treat the mother's breasts before each feeding. Adults should not lick a baby's pacifier or spoon.

From the moment the first teeth erupt, it is necessary to regularly visit the dentist for preventive measures. To clean children's teeth, it is recommended to use special toothpastes that help increase local immunity of the oral mucosa.

Contrary to popular belief, stomatitis in children itself is not a complication of a childhood cold, although most often it occurs against the background. The second common misconception about this disease erroneously states that a pediatric dentist should treat stomatitis in a child. Both are wrong. Why stomatitis actually occurs in children, as well as who and how should treat it - let's figure it out!

Stomatitis causes children not only constant discomfort, but also severe aching pain.

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What is stomatitis and where to look for it in children?

Despite the fact that stomatitis in children often occurs as a consequence of acute respiratory viral infections, there is no direct connection between these diseases. The only thing is that while the child is sick with a cold, he respiratory tract(including the oral cavity) dry out significantly. Saliva is almost not secreted, local immunity in the oral cavity is greatly weakened.

As a result, the mucous membranes of the mouth are left without the necessary protection, and when they are exposed to viruses or bacteria that are “unfriendly” to the body, inflammation occurs. It is precisely this inflammatory process on the mucous membranes of the mouth that is usually called “stomatitis”. Unfortunately, the development of stomatitis in children causes considerable pain to children.

Children often behave extremely restlessly, cry all the time, refuse to eat or drink, and cannot sleep peacefully. long time. In addition, even a mild inflammatory process in the oral cavity with stomatitis in children.

What kind of stomatitis does your child have: herpetic, aphthous or angular?

There are many options for stomatitis - there is no point in listing them all. It is enough for parents to know that in the vast majority of cases children encounter one of the three most common types of stomatitis - aphthous, herpetic and angular.

Aphthous stomatitis in children. Afta is special medical term, which usually hides a specific designation: “a small area of the mucous membrane on which there is damage.” Most often, with aphthous stomatitis in children, foci of inflammation look like small round ulcers, covered with a yellowish or grayish coating and surrounded by a bright red rim.

Herpetic stomatitis in children. Herpetic stomatitis is a contagious disease that can affect a child at any age, but most often occurs in children 1-3 years old. Children in contact with each other (those who play with the same toys and often put them in their mouths, use the same dishes, etc.) easily transmit herpetic stomatitis to each other. The causative agent of herpetic stomatitis is one of the variants of the herpes virus. Most other types of stomatitis (including aphthous) are not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one child to another.

Angular stomatitis in a child. This type of stomatitis is well known to everyone under a more “simple” everyday name - “jams”. In medical reference books, it is listed as “angular” stomatitis, and is manifested by severe irritation of the skin in the corners of the mouth. Over time, cracks appear there. Most often, angular stomatitis occurs due to an acute lack of iron in the body.

Causes of stomatitis in children

Stomatitis in a child's mouth can be caused by a number of factors. A child may bite the inner surface of his cheek in his sleep (or the baby simply has a jagged tooth) - and please, a place of irritation has appeared in the mouth. Stomatitis can also occur due to burns from hot food. Viral stomatitis in most cases occurs due to dryness of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, against the background of which the pathological activity of viruses increases sharply.

The cause of herpetic stomatitis in children is the activity of the herpes virus of the first type (by the way, do not confuse stomatitis with genital herpes, which is caused by the activity of the herpes virus of the second type, as well as with any sexually transmitted diseases - there are no similarities here).

The exact causes of other types of aphthous stomatitis (not herpetic) have still not been established, although several main factors are under consideration. One of the factors is considered to be a genetic predisposition to the development of ulcers, another is the connection of the disease with disorders in the immune system. In addition, stomatitis can be caused by emotional stress; nutritional deficiencies, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency. Sometimes stomatitis occurs as a result of a food allergy or viral infection.

Stomatitis in a child’s mouth: symptoms

Basic (and common to most variants of the disease) symptoms of stomatitis in children are visible to the naked eye when examining the oral cavity. Ask the baby to open his mouth and slightly pull back the lower lip - most often this is where the aphthae-ulcers are located.

The size, lesions and color of the ulcers can vary greatly. For parents, any irregularity in the child’s mouth should be a signal of concern. In other words: normally, the oral mucosa is pink, moist, fairly smooth and the same in all areas. If somewhere you notice swelling, redness, a “pimple”, or even just irritation, etc. - this is already a reason to ask your treating pediatrician to examine the child’s mouth for stomatitis.

In addition to a visual examination of the child’s oral cavity, his behavior can also “hint” at stomatitis. Since the formation of ulcers causes real pain and discomfort in the baby, his behavior also changes dramatically - children become whiny and irritable, sleep poorly and refuse to eat.

In the case of herpetic stomatitis To these general symptoms, special ones will also be added:

Aphthae appear in the mouth almost simultaneously - that is, in several places at once, of approximately the same size.
The disease has a wave-like character: at first the mouth is covered with painful ulcers, which is accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature, then the disease seems to “freeze” (the child may become cheerful and stop complaining of pain; the temperature stabilizes), and after a few days a relapse occurs: new ulcers, an increase again temperature and painful sensations.
The gums become swollen and it is observed.

TO characteristic symptoms aphthous stomatitis in children include:

A day or two before the appearance of aphthae (ulcers) and an increase in temperature, small bubbles appear on the tongue, which gradually begin to cause a burning sensation. Doctors usually call this symptom of aphthous stomatitis “geographic tongue.”
Often, along with the bubbles, a whitish coating appears on the tongue.

A characteristic whitish coating on the tongue is often a symptom of stomatitis in children.

The number of ulcers in the oral cavity with aphthous stomatitis is significantly less than with herpetic stomatitis - most often one or two, sometimes up to five or six. Whereas with herpetic stomatitis in children, the entire mouth may be “sprinkled” from the inside.

In addition, with any acute stomatitis (not only with aphthous, but also with herpetic, and others), the lymph nodes under the lower jaw often enlarge and become painful.

How to treat stomatitis in children

Being a smart parent You should consult your doctor (pediatrician) if you find that:

The child is unable to drink or swallow food.
The child has a high temperature.
The child is too fussy and cannot be calmed down.
The child sleeps restlessly at night, or does not sleep at all.
Bubbles and a light white coating appeared on the baby's tongue.

Treatment of stomatitis in children directly depends on the causes that caused it. The following treatment strategy is common to all types of stomatitis in children:

A gentle diet with the exclusion of any solid foods that can “disturb” aphthae in the oral cavity and cause an exacerbation of inflammation. You should also remove spicy and sour foods from your diet, and make sure that the food is not too hot.
Thorough oral hygiene: gentle brushing of teeth and tongue, as well as daily rinses with antiseptic agents.
If a child's temperature rises above 38.5°C, he should be given an antipyretic medicine.

If you follow a gentle diet and proper oral hygiene, aphthae (ulcers) completely disappear 10-15 days after their appearance in any type of stomatitis.

To rinse your mouth during the day, you can use solutions of antiseptics - chlorhexidine, furatsilin, etc., as well as herbal decoctions - chamomile, calendula and others. The attending physician will tell you how to properly prepare the solution, and will also prescribe a rinsing regimen (it varies depending on the child’s age and the severity of his illness). In addition, if the ulcers are large and painful to the point that the child is acting too hysterically, the canker sores can be treated with antiseptic sprays from time to time.

However, remember that for stomatitis in children, aerosols should under no circumstances be used on children under one year of age. Pharmacy gels, which are usually used to relieve itching, will help these crumbs relieve pain.

Pediatric stomatitis can be aggravated by sharp edges of teeth or braces in the mouth - these problems are best addressed in the pediatric dentist's office.

Additional measures for the treatment of stomatitis in children

Besides common methods Therapy against stomatitis in children, of course, there are special treatment measures that correspond to each specific type of this disease. For example:

If the diagnosis sounds like “herpetic stomatitis in a child,” the doctor will definitely prescribe a drug that suppresses the activity of the herpes virus (the main active ingredient of which is acyclovir).
If the stomatitis is angular (jams), then the child will probably be prescribed medications.

What parents always miss: alas, iron deficiency in the body cannot be replenished with food - it will take too long (not even a year). Iron-containing foods - beans, apples, meat or nuts - all of them can only maintain the level of iron that is already in the body. Only special medications can raise iron levels.

If aphthous stomatitis in a child’s mouth does not go away for more than 15 days, immediately consult a doctor again.

Alas, there is no special prevention against stomatitis in children - the cause may be a banal injury to the oral mucosa caused by a hard piece of food or a children's toy. However, if the baby has a strong, stable immune system, the chances that the disease will develop are significantly less.

How to treat stomatitis in children

The occurrence of stomatitis in a child always causes a lot of problems for himself and his parents. Of course, any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. But if this happens, you need to act quickly and competently. It is important to understand that behind stomatitis there are other health problems that led to its occurrence.

Causes of various stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa, or stomatitis, remains one of the most common dental diseases. There are many factors contributing to the development of pathology. The main thing is not observing basic hygiene rules. These include careful oral care and prevention of “dirty hands.” Children, especially early age tend to put various objects in their mouth and lick their fingers.

Children put not only toys in their mouths, but also their own fingers.

Infectious diseases, dysbacteriosis and allergic irritants can easily provoke inflammation. Achievements modern medicine give reason to think that stomatitis is a peculiar reaction of the child’s body to viruses, bacteria and microbes that enter the baby’s still unformed immune system. These types of stomatitis are typical for young children.

Recently, studies have found a relationship between the disease and the use of sodium lauryl sulfate toothpastes. It provides better foam formation while brushing your teeth. Its negative property is its ability to dry out the mucous membrane. Thus, the mucous membrane becomes vulnerable to causative factors and the first signs of stomatitis in children appear.

Mechanical damage to the mucous membrane plays an important role. If the course is favorable, they disappear within a few days. In certain cases, infection occurs through a wound, some infection from the outside or the oral cavity. This is facilitated by untreated carious teeth, gum disease or even throat disease. The introduction of pathogenic microbes into the wound occurs mainly when brushing teeth or eating acidic foods, since all acids only aggravate the condition of the membrane.
If an injury occurs, it is necessary to quickly rinse with herbal or medicinal decoctions. antiseptic solution, specially manufactured for dentistry.

Often the cause of inflammation is an allergic reaction. That is, its manifestation is not limited only to the skin. This reaction can be for many things. This includes food, toothpaste, toys, which is very common today. In the case of an acute course, the temperature during stomatitis in children can be quite high. It is very difficult to identify causality on your own; it is determined only by complex analyses.

Of the products, allergic manifestations on the oral mucosa are provoked by acidic foods. This especially applies to citrus fruits, apples, cherries or cherries. However, a lack of vitamins is also an excellent environment for inflammation of the mucous membrane. Despite all the benefits of fermented milk products, they are also excellent provocateurs of stomatitis, but only of other forms.

The reason may also be hidden in diseases general plan. For example, diabetes mellitus, genetic predisposition, congenital syphilis or tuberculosis.

Types of stomatitis

Classify types of stomatitis in children according to clinical forms quite difficult. Their manifestations have many common symptoms. However, the dentist is always able to carry out competent differential diagnosis and based on individual symptoms make the correct diagnosis.

Catarrhal stomatitis

The mildest form is catarrhal course of the disease. With it, the mucous membrane is inflamed, has a red tint, is swollen and painful. The pain manifests itself especially when talking and eating. In later stages, bad breath, increased salivation and general fatigue appear. For treatment the most effective remedy for stomatitis in children, for catarrhal inflammation there will be the usual rinsing with decoctions medicinal herbs. A decoction of chamomile and calendula has a good effect.

Allergic stomatitis

It develops very slowly. The child may wilt in various forms Oh. More often it is redness, swelling, ulcers or erosions. It is important to establish causation. In children, it often occurs while taking antibiotics.

Aphthous stomatitis

Perhaps it is a type of allergic inflammation of the mucous membrane. Especially when we're talking about about chronic recurrent aphthous inflammation. Often the cause lies in infections, herpes, lack of vitamins or severe injuries to the oral mucosa. If you find a photo of aphthous stomatitis and carefully study it, then in the future even a non-specialist may suspect the disease.

Aphthous stomatitis in a child

Its course is very difficult. It is accompanied by high body temperature and enlargement of nearby lymph nodes. Specific morphological elements are found in the mouth - aphthae. They have a rounded shape, with a whitish coating in the middle and a bordered hyperemic border. Since the manifestations are accompanied severe pain, for treatment in children it is recommended to use the drugs as a spray. Medicines must be prescribed in parallel with painkillers. For a speedy recovery, it is recommended to take vitamins C and B.

Ulcerative stomatitis

It is both an independent disease and a complication of untreated catarrhal process. It is sometimes called gingivostomatitis. It is more often formed in children with problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The ulcers are quite deep and painful. With adequate treatment in children, stomatitis lasts no more than two weeks.

Vincent's stomatitis can be considered as a type of ulcerative lesion of the oral mucosa. The disease does not affect infants, but young people are more likely to suffer. According to observations, manifestations are recorded with high frequency during crisis periods of age 6-8 years, 13-17 years, 27-30 years. Occurs against a background of reduced immunity and severe chronic diseases. It may be preceded by sluggish catarrhal inflammation.

It is characterized by the formation of deep necrotic ulcers. They are localized on the inner surfaces of the cheeks, lips, gums, hard and soft palate. In this case, the bone tissue is not affected in the process.

However, as usual, the main reason is poor oral care. But in case of severe general diseases, such as infectious mononucleosis, agranulocytosis, leukemia or immunodeficiencies, ulcerative lesions are sure to manifest themselves. Independent periodontal diseases cannot be excluded as a causative factor.

When stomatitis in children of this form requires competent nursing process. The disease is quite severe, accompanied by a sharp disturbance in the general condition of the body and often requires hospitalization. The main symptoms of stomatitis in children are as follows:

strong sweetish-putrid odor from the mouth;
high fever, chills, severe headaches;
gums are loose and hyperemic;
heavy salivation;
a constant increase in the number of ulcers. Moreover, the primary lesions do not disappear, but are covered with a necrotic coating, when trying to remove it, a bleeding wound is formed;
In the absence of treatment, the process spreads to the tonsils and severe ulcerative tonsillitis occurs.

There is no universal cure for stomatitis for children. In case of diagnosis of ulcerative inflammation of the mucous membrane, all measures are prescribed by the doctor. The best way would be hospitalization.

For the purpose of antimicrobial and antibacterial effects for stomatitis in children, fucorcin is used. It is dissolved in a glass of boiled water at the rate of 2 tablets. For 200g. Sometimes the drug is prescribed orally.

To boost immunity, vitamin and mineral complexes are taken. In severe cases, antibiotics gentamicin, lincomycin or ampiox are indicated. After relieving active inflammation and during the period of ulcer regeneration, keratoplasty agents are used.

When ulcers appear on the tongue, therapeutic procedures are carried out according to the general principle.

Infectious stomatitis

It is usually caused by a herpes virus, influenza virus, or chickenpox. The most common infection is the herpes virus. The first signs of the disease are strong tooth mucous membranes of the lips, cheeks, gums and palate. Acute herpetic stomatitis in children is torpid and severe, with possible complications.

Infectious stomatitis

Within a few hours, multiple bubbles filled with clear liquid appear. At this time, the body temperature rises sharply, numbers up to 40-41 degrees are possible. At first the child is restless, capricious, refuses to eat and even drink. When body temperature rises, headaches and joint aches appear. Thermal cramps are common. On day 2, the bubbles begin to burst. The liquid they contain spreads, and the resulting erosive areas become covered with a gray coating. In severe cases, shallow ulcers may appear in place of the blisters.

Viral stomatitis in children requires an integrated approach to treatment and adherence to certain stages. From the first day of illness, they are prescribed antiviral drugs. Today a large number of them are produced. The doctor selects each medicine personally at the appointment. An excellent solution in the fight against the disease is the use of oxolinic ointment. It has a pronounced destructive effect on almost all types of viruses. In severe cases of stomatitis in children, acyclovir is taken orally.

After opening the bubbles, general condition may improve slightly. The temperature drops, headaches and sweating decrease. But pain in the oral cavity persists. To ensure less painful eating and drinking for your child, it is recommended to treat the mucous membranes with lidocaine spray 10%.

A high therapeutic effect of vinylin for stomatitis in children has been established, and this is reflected even in consumer reviews. The tablets are dissolved in water and gauze pads soaked in the solution are applied to the affected areas. The procedure is carried out 1 hour before meals. During the day you can carry out 5-6 procedures. The drug is quite good in the fight against this disease. However, it should not be prescribed to children under 14 years of age.

Sodium tetraborate solution for stomatitis in children is used as an antimicrobial and antiseptic. Along with antiseptics, healing drugs are prescribed on day 5. Solcoseryl has this property. The wound is first dried with a sterile cotton-gauze pad. Then a thin layer of ointment is applied to the bandage strip and applied to the affected areas. Solcoseryl will not only help wound healing, but also relieve pain.

Sodium tetraborate has proven itself well for stomatitis in children. Before rinsing with the product, crusts on pathological areas are removed using oil containing a large amount of vitamin A. These include sea buckthorn or rose hip oil. They will provide an additional regenerating effect on erosion. In the future, an important issue will be the prevention of stomatitis in children.

Candidal stomatitis

More commonly known as oral candidiasis. Symptoms may appear suddenly and bother the child for a long time. The main symptom is a curd coating on the mucous membrane, a feeling foreign body in the mouth, soreness, loss of taste, easy bleeding even with a mild injury. Stomatitis occurs more often in both newborns and children under 1 year of age. But manifestations of the disease in adulthood are not excluded.

Treatment of any stomatitis in newborns is difficult because the child cannot yet rinse his mouth or at least not swallow the drug. Fucorcin is quite suitable for fighting candidiasis. Not only does it have an antimicrobial effect, but it also does a good job of destroying Candida fungi, which cause this disease.

Cholisal ointment gives an excellent effect. It has local anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects.

Ointment (gel) Cholisal gives a quick positive effect in the treatment of stomatitis in children

Stomatitis – infectious disease oral cavity. In children, the inflammatory process on the gums and inner surface of the cheeks often occurs with complications. In young patients, it is diagnosed more often than other oral pathologies. The disease with pronounced symptoms affects children of all ages - from infants to teenagers.

Information about how stomatitis in the mouth manifests itself, what to do, how and how to quickly cure a child will be useful to parents.

General information

Inflammation of the oral mucosa is characterized by high contagiousness, frequent relapses, and a negative impact on immune system. Ulcers, swelling, and irritation of mucous membranes cause children a lot of suffering.

Stomatitis has several varieties, occurs with complications or mild form . The nature of the disease depends on:

age;
immunity strength;
conditions of the oral cavity;
type of pathology;
presence/absence of background diseases;
individual sensitivity of the body;
quality of nutrition, features of caring for the baby.

Classification, types

By origin:

fungal;
viral;
allergic;
bacterial;
symptomatic;
medicinal;
traumatic.

According to the depth of damage to the mucous membrane:

vesicular;
catarrhal;
ulcerative;
aphthous.

According to the nature of the flow:

spicy;
chronic;
recurrent.

Forms of the disease:

Easy. The symptoms are mild, the general condition is stable, isolated ulcers are noted on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, gums, and lips. A thin layer of plaque, dry mucous membranes with candida type. There is an unpleasant smell.
Medium-heavy. Redness and swelling intensify, and the number of affected areas increases. You feel dryness, a strong burning sensation, and pain while eating.
Heavy. There are an abundance of ulcers, the affected surface bleeds, pain is felt constantly. The general condition worsens, the temperature often rises.

The following types of stomatitis are most often diagnosed in childhood:

in infants – candidiasis;
from one to three years – herpetic and aphthous;
preschoolers, primary schoolchildren – aphthous and allergic.

Bacterial stomatitis is diagnosed in young patients of different ages. Microbes penetrate through microtrauma of the delicate mucous membrane in different situations: infants pull fingers and toys into their mouths.

Older children often eat unwashed fruits and vegetables and scratch soft fabrics lollipops, crackers. Any injury to the mucous membrane is an “open gate” for infectious agents.

Causes of occurrence in the mouth and tongue

Each type of stomatitis has provoking factors. Hyperemia, ulcers and swelling develop due to infection, penetrated through the delicate mucosa. Sometimes unpleasant symptoms appear as the body’s reaction to an allergen.

The weaker the immune system, the sooner the infectious agent penetrates into new areas, the higher the likelihood of complications. The greatest danger of oral cavity damage is for infants, children from one to three years old, preschoolers, and younger schoolchildren.

The main causes depend on the type of disease:

Many factors contribute to the development of various forms of stomatitis:

weak immunity;
low weight, poor nutrition;
micronutrient deficiency, insufficient intake of B vitamins;
general weakness of the body;
poor oral hygiene;
wearing orthodontic structures;
use of potent drugs that affect the composition of microflora;
carious cavities, soft or hard plaque on the teeth (possibly), inflammatory processes of the periodontal tissue.

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Specific and nonspecific symptoms
All forms of the disease have several similar signs:
hyperemia (redness);
pain while eating;
swelling of varying degrees;
changes in the composition of saliva;
dry mouth, burning sensation;
decreased or complete loss of appetite.

In severe cases, health deteriorates, the baby becomes weaker, capricious, drowsiness develops, and the lymph nodes enlarge.
Specific signs for various types stomatitis in a child:
Candidiasis (fungal). A cheesy coating of grayish or off-white color.
Herpetic. Small diameter blisters filled with exudate. The number of formations ranges from 4–5 (mild form) to 20 or more (severe form).
Bacterial. Whitish coating, fibrous films, tongue, mucous membranes of bright red or purple color, erosion of a limited area.
Traumatic. Redness, slight swelling in the affected area, a wound or sore with a white translucent film.
Aphthous. The symptoms resemble either a herpetic form; aphthae are formed - round ulcers with a hyperemic area around the formations. The wound is white, covered with a thin, cloudy film. Secondary infection provokes activation of the inflammatory process, the film breaks through.

How to recognize in a timely manner
First signs:
complaints of pain when swallowing, difficulty eating even soft foods;
Appetite noticeably decreases or disappears;
the oral cavity becomes inflamed, a burning sensation is felt;
babies are capricious, cry, sleep deteriorates, anxiety appears, and they refuse to breastfeed;
sores, ulcers or a cheesy coating, swelling, and often change color appear in the mouth.

In acute or advanced cases, the general condition quickly deteriorates, the temperature rises, and the lymph nodes in the neck and sometimes in the armpits swell.

Diagnostics
The first signs of stomatitis are reason to visit the doctor: advanced cases of any form of the disease are more difficult to treat and provoke complications. If a lesion is detected, contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor takes into account:
clinical picture, symptoms;
probable causes according to parents (oral injuries, contact with a virus carrier);
condition of teeth, gums, other factors;
degree of manifestation of characteristic signs.

One or more studies are required:
general examination, interview with parents and the young patient (if age permits);
For some types of disease, the pediatrician or dentist will refer you to specialists for consultation.

How and with what to treat: methods, schemes
The duration and nature of therapy depend on the type of disease. An integrated approach and compliance with hygiene requirements are important.
Change your diet: required avoiding foods that irritate the mucous membranes. Offer your baby warm, pureed, sticky foods. Sour and spicy foods are prohibited.
Important! Self-medication is unacceptable. Therapy is carried out only after a thorough examination.
The doctor takes into account:
type and form of pathology;
age, general condition of the baby;
severity of the disease;
intensity of the inflammatory process.

Treatment of stomatitis in children is usually carried out at home; medications and additional treatments for the disease are prescribed by a pediatrician. Hospitalization is usually not required.

Herpetic (herpes)