Stomatitis meaning and what you may notice
The word comes from stoma, meaning mouth, and the ending -itis, meaning inflammation. So stomatitis is any inflammation of the mouth lining. It is a label for what the mouth looks like, not a diagnosis of why.
Symptoms include a red, swollen or burning mouth, sores or ulcers, pain when eating hot, spicy or sour food, a dry mouth, and sometimes difficulty swallowing or a mild fever. Which symptoms you get depends on the cause.
Types of stomatitis
Each type has its own cause and approach. Aphthous stomatitis is the recurring ulcers described in our guide on aphthous mouth ulcers. Herpetic stomatitis is a viral infection, common in young children. Denture stomatitis is redness under a denture, usually from yeast growing where the denture sits. Angular stomatitis is cracking at the corners of the mouth, which has its own guide on angular cheilitis.
| Type | Main cause | What you notice |
|---|---|---|
| Aphthous | Not fully understood; stress, injury, low iron, B12 or folate | Recurring round, painful ulcers |
| Herpetic | Herpes simplex virus | Fever, sore gums, blisters that burst into ulcers, mostly in children |
| Denture | Yeast under a poorly fitting or unclean denture | Red, sore area under the denture, often painless |
| Angular | Saliva pooling, yeast or bacteria, low iron or B12 | Cracked, sore corners of the mouth |
| Contact or irritant | Reaction to a product, spice, tobacco or a medicine | Burning, redness, sometimes swelling |
General guide to the main types of stomatitis. It does not replace an examination.
Other causes of an inflamed mouth
Infection is a frequent cause, covered in our overview of mouth infections. Others include a reaction to toothpaste, mouthwash or a medicine, tobacco and areca nut, dry mouth, low iron, B12 or folate, and long-term conditions of the gut or immune system. Cancer treatment can also inflame the mouth lining.
If the problem keeps recurring or comes with symptoms elsewhere, a doctor can look beyond the mouth.
Care and when to be seen
While the mouth is sore: rinse with warm salt water, eat soft cool food, avoid tobacco, alcohol and spicy food, and keep brushing gently. Paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the label can ease pain; ask a pharmacist or doctor first if you have stomach, kidney or liver problems or are treating a child.
See a dentist or doctor if stomatitis is severe, recurs often, or stops you eating and drinking. Any sore or patch lasting three weeks needs examining; the mouth ulcers page lists the warning signs. Fever with swelling of the face needs same-day care, and trouble swallowing or breathing needs a hospital emergency department.
Common questions
Is stomatitis serious?
Usually not. Most cases settle in one to two weeks. It matters when it is severe, keeps coming back, stops you eating or drinking, or does not heal within three weeks.
Is stomatitis contagious?
It depends on the cause. Herpetic stomatitis is contagious. Aphthous, denture and angular stomatitis are not passed on like a cold, although the yeast or bacteria behind some types can spread.
What is the difference between stomatitis and a mouth ulcer?
Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth lining in general. A mouth ulcer is one kind of sore that can occur with it. Many people with stomatitis have ulcers, but not all do.
Can stomatitis come from toothpaste or mouthwash?
Yes, in some people. Burning or soreness that started after a new product can be a reaction to an ingredient. Stopping the product and mentioning it to a dentist is a sensible first step.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.