aphthous stomatitis

stomatitis /sto·ma·ti·tis/ (sto″mah-ti´tis) pl. stomati´tides   Generalized inflammation of the oral mucosa.

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angular stomatitis  perlèche.

aphthous stomatitis  recurrent aphthous s.

gangrenous stomatitis  see noma.

herpetic stomatitis  an acute infection of the oral mucosa with vesicle formation, due to the herpes simplex virus.

mycotic stomatitis  thrush.

recurrent aphthous stomatitis  a recurrent stomatitis of unknown etiology characterized by the appearance of small ulcers on the oral mucosa, covered by a grayish exudate and surrounded by a bright red halo; they heal without scarring in 7 to 14 days.

ulcerative stomatitis  stomatitis with shallow ulcers on the cheeks, tongue, and lips.

Vincent's stomatitis  necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.

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aphthous stomatitis

n.

See canker sore.

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Aphthous stomatitis

A specific type of stomatitis presenting with shallow, painful ulcers. Also known as canker sores.

Mentioned in: Stomatitis

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aphthous stomatitis

[af′thəs]

Etymology: Gk, aphtha, eruption; stoma, mouth, itis, inflammation

a recurring condition characterized by the eruption of painful ulcers (commonly called canker sores) on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Evidence suggests that the condition is an immune response. Heredity, some foods, emotional stress, cancer, and fever are also possible causes.

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stomatitis [sto″mah-ti´tis] (pl. stomati´tides)

inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth; it may be caused by any of numerous diseases of the mouth or it may accompany another disease. Both gingivitis and glossitis are forms of stomatitis.

Causes. The causes of stomatitis vary widely, from a mild local irritant to a vitamin deficiency or infection by a possibly dangerous disease-producing organism. Inflammation may arise from actual injury to the inside of the mouth, as from cheek-biting, jagged teeth, tartar accumulations, and badly fitting dentures. Irritating substances, including alcohol, and tobacco, may also cause stomatitis. Other causes are infectious bacteria, such as streptococci and gonococci or those causing necrotizing ulcerative stomatitis, diphtheria, and tuberculosis; the fungus causing thrush; or the viruses causing herpes simplex and measles. Extreme vitamin deficiencies can result in mouth inflammation, as can certain blood disorders. Poisoning with heavy metals, such as lead or mercury, can also cause stomatitis.

Symptoms. There is generally swelling and redness of the tissues of the mouth, which may become quite sore, particularly during eating. The mouth may have an unpleasant odor. In some types of stomatitis the mouth becomes dry, but in others there is excessive salivation. Ulcerations may appear, and, in extreme cases, gangrene (gangrenous stomatitis).

Other forms of stomatitis may occasionally cause more severe symptoms, including chills, fever, and headache. Sometimes bleeding or white patches in the mouth can be seen. In thrush, the symptoms themselves may be slight (white spots in the mouth resembling milk curds) but the disease may give rise to serious infections elsewhere in the body. In some cases, stomatitis causes inflammation of the parotid glands.

Stomatitis resulting from certain diseases presents special identifying symptoms. Syphilitic stomatitis produces painful ulcers in the mouth; in scarlet fever the tongue first has a strawberry color, which then deepens to a raspberry hue; in measles, Koplik's spots appear.

Treatment and Prevention. The treatment varies according to the cause. When the inflammation is caused by anemia, vitamin deficiency, or any infection of the body, both the underlying disease and the stomatitis are treated. Antibiotics often are effective against the infection and prevent its spreading to the parotid glands. Severe stomatitis can be a side effect of chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck as treatment for cancer. Measures to alleviate the inflammation and promote healing include increasing fluid intake and using artificial saliva to minimize dryness and help buffer acidity in the mouth, avoiding liquids and foods that are chemically irritating or extremely hot, and frequent and consistent mouth care.



With proper care, many cases of stomatitis can be prevented. Cleanliness is essential, especially of the mouth, teeth, dentures, and feeding utensils. Infants may acquire mouth infection from the mother's oral flora, dirty bottles, or the mother's nipples. In the case of a prolonged fever or of any severe general illness, dryness of the mouth should be avoided by ingestion of increased amounts of fluids.

angular stomatitis superficial erosions and fissuring at the angles of the mouth; it may occur in riboflavin deficiency and in pellagra or result from overclosure of the jaws in denture wearers. Called also perlèche.

aphthous stomatitis recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

denture stomatitis inflammation of the oral mucosa seen in some patients with new dentures or with old, ill-fitting ones, caused by Candida albicans; characterized by redness, swelling, and pain of mucosa that is in contact with the denture. Called also chronic atrophic candidiasis and denture sore mouth.

gangrenous stomatitis see noma.

herpetic stomatitis herpes simplex involving the oral mucosa and lips, characterized by the formation of yellowish vesicles that rupture and produce ragged painful ulcers covered by a gray membrane and surrounded by an erythematous halo.

stomatitis medicamento´sa stomatitis due to an allergic reaction to drugs ingested, absorbed through the skin or mucosa, or given by hypodermic injection. Principal symptoms include vesicles, erosion, ulcers, erythema, purpura, angioedema, burning, and itching.

recurrent aphthous stomatitis a recurrent disease of unknown etiology, characterized by one or more small round or oval ulcer(s) on the oral mucosa, covered by a grayish fibrinous exudate and surrounded by a bright red halo. The lesions usually persist for 7 to 14 days and then heal without scarring. Called also aphthae, aphthous stomatitis, and canker sore.

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aphthous stomatitis (afˑ·thōs stōˈ·m·tīˑ·tis),

n a common condition that affects the oral cavity; indicated by the appearance of painful, shallow lesions found alone or in clustered groups. A reddish border surrounds the small ulcers, and a pseudo-membrane covers them. Injury to the mouth, sensitivity to certain foods, nutrient deficiency, and/or stress may cause it. The lesions typically heal within one to three weeks of appearance. Also called
common canker sore or
ulcerative stomatitis.

Aphthous stomatitis.

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aphthous (af´thus),

adj characterized by aphthae or aphthosis.

aphthous fever,

n a fever associated with aphthosis.

aphthous pharyngitis

n aphthosis of the pharynx.

aphthous stomatitis,

n See aphtha and stomatitis, aphthous.

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stomatitis (stō´mtī´tis),

n inflammation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity occurring as a result of mechanical, chemical, thermal, bacterial, viral, electrical, or radiation injury or reactions to allergens or as secondary manifestations of systemic disease.

stomatitis, acute herpetic,

n (acute herpetic gingivostomatitis), the manifestations of clinically apparent primary herpes simplex characterized by regional lymphadenopathy, sore throat, and high temperature, followed by localized itching and burning, with the formation of small vesicles of an erythematous base that give way to plaques and then painful herpetic ulcers. The gingivae are swollen and erythematous, and they bleed easily. Manifestations subside in 7 to 10 days, and recovery usually occurs within 2 weeks.

stomatitis, aphthous (aphthae, canker sore),

n refers to recurrent ulcers of the oral cavity that are limited to nonkeratinized mucosa and are thought to be immune related.

stomatitis, arsenical

n oral manifestation of arsenic poisoning. The oral mucosa is dry, red, and painful. Ulceration, purpura, and mobility of teeth also may occur.

stomatitis, Atabrine

n.pr a stomatitis considered by some to be associated with the use of the antimalarial and anthelmintic drug quinacrine hydrochloride (Atabrine) and characterized by oral changes simulating lichen planus.

stomatitis, bismuth,

n a stomatitis resulting from systemic use of bismuth compounds over prolonged periods. Sulfides of bismuth are deposited in the gingival tissue, resulting in bluish-black pigmentation known as a bismuth line. Oral manifestations of bismuth poisoning include gingivostomatitis similar to that of Vincent's infection, a blue-black line on the inner aspect of the gingival sulcus or pigmentation of the buccal mucosa, a sore tongue, metallic taste, and a burning sensation of the oral cavity.

stomatitis, epidemic,

n See disease, hand, foot, and oral cavity.

stomatitis, epizootic,

n See disease, hand, foot, and oral cavity.

stomatitis, gangrenous (cancrum oris, noma),

n See noma.

stomatitis, gonococcal,

n an inflammation of the oral mucosa caused by gonococci.

stomatitis, herpetic,

n 1. the oral manifestation of primary herpes simplex infection. The term also is used by some for herpetiform ulcers considered to be oral manifestations of secondary or recurrent herpes simplex. See also ulcer, aphthous, recurrent.
2. inflammation of the oral mucosa caused by herpesvirus. See also gingivostomatitis, herpetic.

stomatitis, iodine,

n See iodism.

stomatitis, lead,

n an oral manifestation of lead poisoning. Included are a bluish line along the free gingival margin, pigmentation of the mucosa in contact with the teeth, metallic taste, excessive salivation, and swelling of the salivary glands.

stomatitis medicamentosa

n an allergic response of the oral mucosa to a systemically administered drug. Possible manifestations include asthma, skin rashes, urticaria, pruritus, leukopenia, lymph-adenopathy, thrombocytopenic purpura, and oral lesions (erythema, ulcerative lesions, vesicles, bullae, and angioneurotic edema).

stomatitis, membranous,

n an inflammation of the oral cavity, accompanied by the formation of a pseudomembrane.

stomatitis, mercurial,

n an oral manifestation of mercury poisoning, consisting of hypersalivation, metallic taste, ulceration and necrosis of the gingivae with a tendency to spread posteriorly and to the buccal mucosa and palate, glossodynia, and periodontitis with loosening of the teeth in severe cases of chronic intoxication.

stomatitis, mycotic,

n an infection of the oral mucosa by a fungus, most commonly
C. albicans, which produces moniliasis (thrush). See also moniliasis.

stomatitis, nicotinic,

n an inflammation of the palatal minor salivary ducts caused by irritation by tobacco smoke or hot fluids and characterized by raised small palatal lesions with red centers and white borders. The palatal mucosa usually has a generalized keratosis accompanying the smaller lesions. Also called
stomatitis nicotina.

Nicotinic stomatitis.

stomatitis, recurrent,

n recurrent manifestation of herpes simplex involving the lips and labial and buccal mucosa (fever blisters, cold sores). Episodes may result from fever, sunlight, menses, trauma, and gastrointestinal upset. Lesions begin as clear vesicles with an erythematous base that give way to ulcers and superficial crusts if the outer surfaces of the lips and skin are involved.

stomatitis, uremic,

n an oral manifestation of uremia, consisting of varying degrees of erythema, exudation, ulceration, pseudomembrane formation, foul breath, and burning sensations. See also gingivitis, nephritic.

stomatitis venenata

n an inflammation of the oral mucosa as the result of contact allergy. The most common causative agents are volatile oils, iodides, dentifrices, mouthwashes, denture powders, and topical anesthetics. Possible manifestations include erythema, angioneurotic edema, burning sensations, ulcerations, and vesicles.

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Patient discussion about aphthous stomatitis.

Q. aphthous stomatitis can someone please explain me what it is? and what is the best way to treat it?

A. A canker sore (aphthous stomatitis) is an illness that causes small ulcers to appear in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue. What causes aphthous stomatitis (canker sores)?
The exact cause of this disease is not known. There are many factors that are thought to be involved with the development of canker sores, including:

Weakened immune system
Certain allergies may cause the lesions to appear, such as:
Coffee
Chocolate
Cheese
Nuts
Citrus fruits
Potatoes
Stress
Viruses and bacteria

The following are the most common symptoms of aphthous stomatitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Ulcers in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue
Ulcers that are covered with a yellow layer and have a red base
For the full article:
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/oral/diagnose/aphthous-stomatitis.htm Hope this helps.

Q. Is it possible to prevent appearance of oral aphthae? I get these a lot and lately I've heard it comes as a result of stress or weak immune system. Is that true? Is there a way to make it go away forever????? anyone who has ever had this annoying thing in his mouth knows what I'm talking about... I know all the possible curing ways- I'm looking for prevention now...thanx!

A. welcome to my life! every time the air get's a little dry i get 1-3 aphthae and can't eat for the next 4-6 days. so i investigated a little, and i'm sorry but right now no one really knows what causes them. they know that from some reason the body get's an immune reaction in the oral mucosa and that causes an ulcer. but a friend of mine went to an Ayurveda therapist that told him to stop eating tomatoes and eggplants (in any way, cooked,baked,fried) and he says he stop getting aphthae. so you might try Ayurveda for prevention. it could help...