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The Mystery of Stomatitis: Why Do Lips and Mouths Suddenly Get Inflamed?
Stomatitis, or inflammation of the mouth and lips, covers any inflammatory process affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and lips, with or without oral ulcers. The reasons for this are numerous and confusing enough to confuse many people. Before we dive into the causes of stomatitis, let’s look at the different types of this condition and why they occur.
Different types of stomatitis and their causes
The causes of stomatitis can be categorized into a variety of categories, including but not limited to infection, nutritional deficiencies, allergic reactions, and radiation therapy.
Nutritional deficiency is one of the main causes of stomatitis, especially the deficiency of nutrients such as iron, vitamin B2, B3, B6 and B12. These deficiencies may lead to the onset of stomatitis.
Micronutrient deficiencies
If a person suffers from nutritional deficiencies due to improper diet or poor nutrient absorption, stomatitis may occur. For example, a lack of iron can affect cell repair and regeneration, particularly in the repair of epidermal cells in the mouth and lips. This means that getting adequate nutrition on a regular basis is essential to maintaining oral health.
Mouth ulcers – ulcerative stomatitis
Another common form is ulcerative stomatitis, more commonly known as mouth ulcers or canker sores. This problem often causes distress to healthy individuals, but its exact cause is unclear. This condition is thought to be related to the immune response of T cells and can be triggered by various factors.
The symptoms of mouth ulcers vary from person to person. Some people may only experience mild discomfort, while others may be unable to eat or speak normally due to pain.
Angular stomatitis
Angular stomatitis occurs primarily at the corners of the lips and is usually caused by poor oral hygiene or a specific nutritional deficiency. In children, repetitive lip licking may be the primary cause, while in adults it may suggest iron deficiency anemia or a vitamin B deficiency. This type of stomatitis can affect all aspects of daily life, from appearance to functionality, causing problems.
Denture-related stomatitis
Denture wearers often experience a condition called denture-related stomatitis, which usually presents as redness of the mucosa beneath the denture, but is not painful. This condition is associated with a Candida infection in 90% of cases. To alleviate this condition, improved oral hygiene is essential.
Allergic reactions and stomatitis
Allergic contact stomatitis is also quite common in some individuals. It is a type IV allergic reaction that can be triggered by allergens in a variety of foods, toothpaste, and even everyday items such as dental braces. Even though oral surfaces are covered in saliva, antigens may still cause inflammation, but evidence suggests that in most cases this may not be noticeable.
Lifestyle influence
Smoking is also considered a possible factor in stomatitis, especially for smokers. The effects of smoking are often reversible after people stop smoking, demonstrating the importance of daily habits for oral health.
ConclusionAs more and more research reveals the multiple possible causes and types of stomatitis, the impact of various lifestyle and dietary habits is becoming increasingly important. Whether it is nutritional deficiency, allergic reaction, or neglect of daily oral hygiene, it may be the root cause of sudden inflammation of the lips and mouth. Before getting proper medical advice, how can we better protect our oral health?
