A woman with a distressed expression holds her cheek, with a blue label overlay reading 'Stomatitis' on a plain white background.

Relief from Stomatitis

If you suffer from stomatitis, the most appropriate formulation from the Gengigel® range would be Gengigel® Forte Oral Fluid for severe cases. Gengigel® Forte Oral Fluid is more concentrated and will control pain instantly without risk of further trauma. For mild cases of stomatitis it is recommended to use Gengigel® Mouthrinse, which will soothe the whole oral cavity applied throughout the day (and not just after brushing).

All Gengigel® products have been clinically proven and are recommended by dental health professionals. Its main ingredient, hyaluronic acid, has a soothing, healing and protective effect that will help maintain a healthy mouth long-term.

To learn more about how Gengigel® works, please, check the ‘How it works‘ section.

What is Stomatitis?

Stomatitis is a general term that refers to inflamed and sore mouth. The two main forms of stomatitis are herpes stomatitis, also known as a cold sore, and aphthous stomatitis, also known as a canker sore.

Stomatitis can disrupt a person’s ability to eat, talk, and sleep. This condition can occur anywhere in the mouth: inside of the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue and palate.

What causes Stomatitis?

Aphthous stomatitis is not caused by a virus and is not contagious. Instead, it’s caused by problems with oral hygiene or damage to mucous membranes. Some causes include:

  • Dry tissues from breathing through the mouth due to clogged nasal passages.
  • Small injuries due to dental work, accidental cheek bite, or other injuries.
  • Celiac disease.
  • Autoimmune diseases that attack cells in the mouth.
  • HIV/AIDS.
  • Weakened immune system.
  • Deficiency in vitamin B-12, folic acid, iron or zinc.
  • Certain medications.
  • Candida (oral thrush).

What does Stomatitis look like?

Stomatitis is a single pale or yellow ulcer with a red outer ring or a cluster of such ulcers in the mouth.

Cold sores are fluid-filled sores that occur on or around the lips. They rarely form on the gums or the roof of the mouth. Cold sores later crust over with a scab and are usually associated with tingling, tenderness or burning before the actual sores appear.

Oral inflammation and ulcers, known as stomatitis, may be mild and localized or severe and widespread. They are invariably painful. Stomatitis may involve swelling and redness of the oral mucosa or discrete, painful ulcers (single or multiple).

What are the symptoms of Stomatitis?

Herpetic stomatitis is usually indicated by multiple blisters. The blisters may make it difficult or painful to eat, drink, or swallow with dehydration being a risk if drinking is uncomfortable.

Aphthous stomatitis are round or oval ulcers with a red, inflamed border. The centre is usually white or yellow. Most canker sores are small and oval, with healing time being one to two weeks without scarring. Larger, irregular sores can occur with extensive injury and can take six or more weeks to heal. These can leave scars in the mouth.

What is the recommendation to manage stomatitis symptoms?

Eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes and other cooked vegetables, noodles, cottage cheese. Also foods which are near pH neutral (as saliva is) which includes crab meat, lobster, shrimp and some soft cheeses i.e. camembert.

Foods and drinks to be avoided are anything acidic i.e. Oranges, tomatoes, processed foods, grains and sugar as well as anything spicy or crunchy. For aphthous stomatitis, certain nutritional supplements like B vitamins (folate, B-6, B-12) may help. Foods high in these vitamins include broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, calf’s liver, lentils and asparagus.

Proper oral hygiene is also important and using products containing natural ingredients such as Hyaluronan will make a difference. Hyaluronan is a naturally occurring component found in the body, especially in gums and helps the natural healing process.