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Most mothers and grandmothers are sure that stomatitis occurs due to the fact that the child puts dirty hands or toys in his mouth, so you should not seek treatment from a doctor – just burn it with brilliant green or rinse your mouth a couple of times with warm water with salt or soda. This is a completely wrong approach, fraught with a serious burn of the mucous membrane, and then the treatment can be delayed for several weeks.
Causes of stomatitis in children
Stomatitis in children is an inflammation of the oral mucosa that occurs due to infection or an allergic reaction. Often stomatitis accompanies SARS, because the child’s immunity is weakened, and saliva is practically not secreted, so the mucous membrane dries up and cracks, opening the way for pathogenic microbes. Children become capricious and whiny, refuse to eat. Therefore, it is very important to show the child to the doctor – first contact the pediatrician, and already he, if necessary, will send to the dentist.
– Children are more prone to stomatitis than adults. Firstly, their immunity is not so strong yet. Secondly, babies (and even older children) constantly put something into their mouths – dirty hands, toys, fruits or berries. And it often happens that the nipple has fallen, and instead of washing it thoroughly, the mother will simply lick it and put it back into the baby’s mouth, experts say. – Often stomatitis occurs with microtrauma, burns of the mucous membrane (for example, a child bit his cheek or burned with hot tea), where pathogenic microbes penetrate.
Types of stomatitis in children
As a rule, the following types of stomatitis are most common in children:
- aphthous;
- herpetic;
- angular;
- fungal.
Aphthous stomatitis
It is a small round sore on the oral mucosa (aphtha), covered with a grayish-yellow coating and with a bright red rim. This type of stomatitis is non-contagious and occurs at any age. Causes of aphthous stomatitis: weakened immunity, stress, iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, microtrauma or burns of the oral mucosa.
Herpetic stomatitis
This type of stomatitis is caused by a type of herpes (not to be confused with genital herpes) and is most common in children 1-3 years old. Herpetic stomatitis is very contagious, and can be transmitted through toys that children put into their mouths, cutlery, etc.) The main difference from aphthous stomatitis is that sores (aphthae) sprinkle the entire oral mucosa, and the temperature rises to 38-39 ° C.
Angular stomatitis
Angular stomatitis is better known as “zaedy” – the skin in the corners of the mouth is very irritated, gets wet and cracks. This type of stomatitis is not contagious, more common in children older than 6 years, and the cause is streptococcus. Often, angular stomatitis occurs in the spring, when the immune system weakens.
Fungal stomatitis
Fungal stomatitis (thrush) in children usually occurs in infancy, although it can also develop in adolescents with immunodeficiency or long-term use of antibiotics. It is very easy to recognize this type of stomatitis – the mucous membrane of the mouth, tongue and even the gums are covered with a white cheesy coating. At the same time, if you try to clean off the film, red inflamed areas and ulcerations remain.
Symptoms of stomatitis in children
Even in adults, stomatitis can cause serious discomfort, let alone children. Toddlers can be very naughty and cry, sleep poorly at night, refuse food and water, in some cases the temperature may even rise.
The main symptoms of stomatitis in children:
- Swelling and redness of the oral mucosa,
- Bubbles or sores (aphthae),
- increased salivation,
- Pain when chewing (especially solid foods)
- bad breath,
- There may be a white coating on the tongue,
- The submandibular lymph nodes may enlarge and be painful.
Treatment of stomatitis in children
Treatment of stomatitis should be prescribed only by a doctor, since he will immediately determine the type and cause of inflammation. It is very important during treatment to adhere to a sparing diet: no salty, spicy, sour foods. It is better that the food is soft or grated (soup, yogurt, porridge, mashed potatoes), not too hot or cold. If the child complains of severe pain, the doctor will select and prescribe an anesthetic gel for him, and if the temperature rises, he will prescribe an antipyretic.
It is very important to observe oral hygiene during the treatment of stomatitis in children: firstly, for a while you need to abandon a toothbrush with hard bristles. With a soft-bristled brush, you need to very carefully, but thoroughly clean not only your teeth, but also your tongue, because plaque contains a huge amount of pathogenic microbes that provoke inflammation.
– For the treatment of stomatitis in children, Holisal gel has proven itself well. They have not only anti-inflammatory, but also analgesic and healing properties. Affected areas should be smeared with a thin layer two to three times a day, doctors advise.
You can also treat your mouth with antiseptic solutions – for example, Miramistin, Chlorhexidine or rinse with decoctions of pharmaceutical herbs – chamomile or calendula. At an older age, antiseptic aerosols can be used, but up to a year they are strictly prohibited.
With herpetic or candidal stomatitis, drugs that destroy the pathogen are also prescribed – antiviral or antifungal. Treatment and dosage are prescribed only by a doctor. With angular stomatitis, the doctor may prescribe drugs that make up for the iron deficiency in the child’s body. If stomatitis is caused by an allergic reaction, exclude all allergenic foods from the baby’s diet and be sure to consult an allergist.
With proper treatment, diet and careful oral hygiene, all the unpleasant symptoms of stomatitis in children completely disappear on the 10-15th day.
Prevention of stomatitis in children
To prevent the occurrence of stomatitis in children, it is enough for parents to follow a few simple rules. If the baby is still breastfeeding, the mother should keep her breasts clean, thoroughly wash and disinfect all nipples and teethers, and in no case lick the nipple if it has fallen, or the spoon you feed the baby with.
From early childhood, it is necessary to teach the child to meticulous oral hygiene: you need to brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure that the bristles do not scratch the gums and tongue too much, and also select the paste according to the age of the child.
Make sure that the child does not put dirty toys or unwashed fruits in his mouth, wean him from sucking his fingers, remind him to wash his hands more often.
Regularly take your child to the dentist for preventive examinations: caries must be treated in a timely manner, and if the tooth is broken and scratches the tongue, the dentist must grind the sharp ends.
Make sure that your child’s diet contains foods rich in vitamins and iron. Do not give your child too hot food or drinks, so as not to burn the mucous membrane.