Inflammation / Stomatitis

What is inflammation?

Inflammation (also known as Stomatitis) is a local reaction against infection that involves the release of antibacterial agents to defend the body. It usually manifests as a change to the tissue colour of the mouth, from pink to red, or in more severe cases, involving swelling and/or bleeding upon probing.

Symptoms

Mouth irritation.
Redness and swelling.
Pain.
A feeling of heat in the affected area.

Common causes & prevention

Stomatitis can be caused by a lot of different things, including general health, habits and more. Some of the most common causes are:

Biting or cutting the inside of the mouth.
Canker sores or ulceration.
Chewing tobacco.
Friction generated from braces or other dental appliances that may cause sores to develop within the mouth.
Cancer.
Burning the mouth on hot food.
Infections as a result of bacteria, viruses and fungus.
Persistent inflammation can be a sign of an underlying issue or the possibility of mouth infection, and should always be examined by a dentist.
Due to the different causes of stomatitis, there are many different ways to treat and prevent pain and irritation, including:
- If the inflammation is caused by dental appliances, try applying dental orthodontic wax (available in pharmacies) to the appliance to soften any hard edges.
- Mouth ulcers (or canker sores) commonly occur when you are suffering from stress and poor nutrition. They can be prevented by eating healthily and getting adequate rest.
- Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine is also essential in preventing inflammation.