Ultima modifica 5 October 2026
Stomatitis: what it is, types, symptoms and treatment
Widespread burning in the mouth, a feeling of discomfort while eating, small lesions on the tongue or cheeks: these are symptoms that many people experience at least once in their lives and are often traced back to a single term, “stomatitis.” But what does this word really mean? And most importantly, when is it appropriate to see a dentist?
Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa that can manifest itself in very different forms, with specific causes, symptoms, and treatments. Knowing the differences between the various types helps not to underestimate the problem and to intervene appropriately, preventing an initially mild ailment from turning into a more bothersome or persistent condition.
In this article you’ll find a guide to stomatitis: what it is, what the most common forms are, how to recognize them, when to be concerned, and what the treatment options are. You’ll also find a sample clinical case (anonymized), a frequently asked questions section, and, for those who prefer to listen, a podcast devoted to the topic.
Table of Contents
- What is stomatitis: definition and meaning
- The main types of stomatitis
- Causes and risk factors of stomatitis
- Symptoms of stomatitis: how to recognize it
- Diagnosis: the role of the dental examination
- Treatment of stomatitis: the options available
- Prevention: how to reduce the risk of stomatitis
- A typical case from the Grimaldi Dental Center
- Frequently asked questions
- In summary
What is stomatitis: definition and meaning
The term “stomatitis” is derived from the Greek stoma (mouth) and broadly denotes any inflammatory process affecting the mucosa of the oral cavity. Thus, it is not a single disease, but a category that groups together conditions that differ in origin, clinical appearance, and severity.
Inflammation can affect the inner cheeks, tongue, palate, gums, floor of the mouth, or lips. Depending on the underlying cause and the characteristics of the lesions, several types of stomatitis are distinguished, each with a specific name and a dedicated treatment approach.
It is important to emphasize that stomatitis is a symptom, not a definitive diagnosis: identifying the underlying cause is critical to setting the correct treatment.
The main types of stomatitis
Aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers)
Aphthous stomatitis is the most common form and manifests as small round or oval ulcers with a whitish or yellowish base and reddened edge. Aphthae typically appear on the inner mucosa of the cheeks, tongue, soft palate or lips and are painful, especially during chewing or when eating acidic or spicy foods.
The causes are not fully elucidated, but predisposing factors include stress, microtrauma (accidental bites, aggressive brushing), vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12, iron, folic acid), hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. In most cases, canker sores heal spontaneously in 7 to 14 days without leaving scars.
Aphthous stomatitis
Mouth ulcer – causes, symptoms and remedies
Herpetic stomatitis
Herpetic stomatitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and presents with clustered vesicles that, as they rupture, leave small painful ulcers. It may be accompanied by fever, general malaise and enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the primary form (herpetic gingivostomatitis), which is common in children.
After the first infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate periodically, causing cold sores. Herpetic stomatitis is contagious in the active phase and requires special hygienic care to avoid transmission.
Candida stomatitis (oral candidiasis)
Oral candidiasis, commonly called “thrush,” is a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast normally found in the oral cavity. It manifests as white or yellowish plaques on the tongue, palate and inner cheeks, which peel off leaving a reddened and sometimes bleeding surface.
Risk factors include prolonged antibiotic use, uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppressive therapies, inadequately sanitized dentures, and oral dryness. Candidiasis requires specific antifungal treatment.
Oral candida – causes and treatment
Allergic or contact stomatitis
This form of stomatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the oral mucosa to substances with which it comes into contact. It can be triggered by dental materials (some metals, resins), toothpastes, mouthwashes, foods or medications. Symptoms include redness, burning, swelling and sometimes vesicles or erosions.
Identification of the responsible allergen, often with the help of allergy testing, is essential to resolve the problem and avoid recurrence.
Angular stomatitis (angular cheilitis)
Angular stomatitis is localized to the corners of the mouth (labial commissures) and presents with redness, cracking, fissuring, and sometimes scabbing. There can be many causes: Candida or bacterial infections, vitamin deficiencies, loss of vertical facial dimension (typical in incongruous denture wearers or advanced tooth wear), and frequent lip licking habits.
Drug-related stomatitis
Some drugs can cause oral cavity lesions as a side effect. These include chemotherapy drugs (which induce so-called oral mucositis), some antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and bisphosphonates. Management in these cases includes, when possible, modulation of therapy in consultation with the treating physician and supportive treatments to relieve symptoms.
Causes and risk factors of stomatitis
The causes of stomatitis vary depending on the type, but there are some common risk factors that can promote the onset or recurrence of oral cavity inflammation:
- Inadequate oral hygiene: the presence of plaque and tartar creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi.
- Microtrauma: accidental bites, incongruous dentures, orthodontic appliances, too vigorous brushing.
- Stress and fatigue: can weaken immune defenses and promote the appearance of canker sores or reactivation of herpes.
- Nutritional deficiencies: deficits in iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc are associated with increased susceptibility to stomatitis.
- Oral dryness (xerostomia): saliva has a protective role; its reduction facilitates irritation and infection.
- Systemic diseases: diabetes, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or oral lichen planus), celiac disease, Crohn’s disease.
- Smoking and alcohol: irritate the mucosa and alter its local defenses.
- Medications: antibiotics, corticosteroids, chemotherapy, immunosuppressants.
Symptoms of stomatitis: how to recognize it
Symptoms of stomatitis may vary depending on the clinical form, but some signs are common:
- Pain or burning in the affected area, which may increase while eating or talking.
- Redness of the oral mucosa.
- Ulcers, vesicles or plaques of variable appearance (whitish, yellowish, with red border).
- Localized swelling.
- Difficulty eating or swallowing in more extensive cases.
- Halitosis (bad breath).
- Bleeding of injuries, especially if traumatized.
- Fever and general malaise, typical of acute infectious forms such as herpetic gingivostomatitis.
It is important to pay attention to the duration of symptoms: an injury that does not heal within 2-3 weeks always warrants dental evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.
Diagnosis: the role of the dental examination
The diagnosis of stomatitis is based primarily on the clinical examination of the oral cavity. The dentist assesses the appearance, location, and extent of lesions, gathers information about the patient’s medical history (medications taken, past illnesses, dietary and hygiene habits), and may request follow-up examinations if necessary.
Useful examinations include:
- Oral swab for bacteria, fungi or viruses.
- Blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies or immune changes.
- Biopsy in cases of suspicious or persistent lesions to rule out more serious pathology.
- Allergy testing if contact stomatitis is suspected.
At the Grimaldi Dental Center, the examination is conducted carefully and with the help of digital technologies (intraoral photographs, scanners) that allow the documentation of lesions and monitor their evolution over time.
Treatment of stomatitis: the options available
Treatment of stomatitis depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. In general, the approach may include:
Local therapy
- Anesthetic and anti-inflammatory gels, ointments or mouthwashes to relieve pain and promote wound healing.
- Chlorhexidine-based mouthwashes (for short periods) to reduce bacterial load and prevent overinfection.
- Topical antifungals (gels or oral suspensions) in candidiasis.
- Topical antivirals in the early stages of cold sores.
Systemic therapy
- Oral antivirals for extensive or recurrent herpetic forms.
- Oral antifungals for candidiasis resistant to local treatment.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements in cases of documented deficiencies.
- Corticosteroids (in selected cases and under medical supervision) for severe inflammatory forms.
Removal of the cause
- Replacement or fitting of incongruous prostheses.
- Elimination of the identified allergen.
- Modification of drug therapy in consultation with the treating physician.
- Treatment of underlying systemic diseases.
Professional Oral Hygiene
An oral hygiene session can be helpful in removing plaque and tartar and reducing gum inflammation, improving the oral environment and promoting healing.
Prevention: how to reduce the risk of stomatitis
Some good habits can help prevent the onset or recurrence of stomatitis:
- Maintain thorough oral hygiene with brushing after meals, flossing and, if indicated, using a gentle mouthwash.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid microtrauma to the mucosa.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
- Limit irritating foods (very acidic, spicy or salty) if you are predisposed to mouth ulcers.
- Manage stress with physical activity, relaxation techniques or psychological support.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Moisturize adequately to maintain good salivation.
- Conduct regular dental checkups to intercept any problems early.
A typical case from the Grimaldi Dental Center (fictitious name: Ms. Luisa)
Initial situation and motivation
Mrs. Luisa, 52, came to the Grimaldi Dental Center complaining of widespread burning in her mouth present for several weeks, with difficulty eating hot or slightly acidic foods. She also reported the recurrent appearance of small whitish lesions on her tongue and inner cheeks, accompanied by a dry mouth sensation. The discomfort was affecting the quality of her eating and caused her concern, fearing it was something serious.
Diagnostic pathway
During the first visit, the dentist performed a thorough examination of the oral cavity, documenting the lesions with digital photographs. Information was collected on the patient’s medical history: Ms. Luisa had been taking an antihypertensive medication known to cause oral dryness as a side effect for several months. In addition, she was reporting a period of severe work stress.
An oral swab was performed to rule out Candida infection, and blood tests were requested to assess possible vitamin deficiencies. The results showed a mild vitamin B12 deficiency and the presence of Candida albicans.
Plan of care and unfolding
The treatment plan included:
- A local antifungal treatment (oral gel) for two weeks.
- Vitamin B12 supplementation.
- Indications for improving oral hydration (use of salivary substitutes, increased water intake).
- A professional oral hygiene session to improve the overall condition of the oral cavity.
- A discussion with the treating physician to consider modification of antihypertensive therapy, if possible.
The patient was also instructed on proper home hygiene techniques and the importance of avoiding irritating foods during the acute phase.
Clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life
After three weeks of treatment, the Candida lesions resolved and the burning was greatly reduced. The patient reported an improvement in her ability to feed normally and increased serenity. A two-month follow-up was scheduled to monitor the progress and prevent any recurrence.
This is a clinical example for informational purposes: each person has a specific situation, and results may vary from patient to patient.
Frequently asked questions
Is stomatitis contagious?
It depends on the cause. Aphthous stomatitis is not contagious. Herpetic stomatitis, on the other hand, is caused by a virus (Herpes simplex) and is contagious during the active phase, when vesicles are present. Oral candidiasis is generally not transmitted among healthy adults, but it can be transmitted in individuals with compromised immune defenses. If in doubt, a dental evaluation is always advisable.
How long does stomatitis last?
Duration varies depending on the type. Canker sores usually heal spontaneously within 7-14 days. Acute herpetic forms may last 10-14 days. Stomatitis from Candida or other causes require specific treatment, and the duration depends on the response to therapy. If a lesion persists beyond 2-3 weeks, it is important to have it evaluated by the dentist.
When should I be concerned about stomatitis?
The dentist should be consulted if the lesions are very painful, numerous, recurrent, if they do not heal within 2-3 weeks, if they are accompanied by high fever, difficulty swallowing, or other systemic symptoms. Lesions that look unusual or change over time also merit evaluation to rule out more serious conditions.
Can I treat stomatitis with home remedies?
Some remedies may offer temporary relief: rinses with salt and water, application of honey to lesions, avoidance of irritating foods. However, these remedies do not replace the diagnosis and treatment indicated by the dentist, especially if the stomatitis is caused by infection or other conditions that require specific therapies.
Can stomatitis be a sign of a more serious disease?
In some cases, recurrent or persistent stomatitis may be associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases, or, rarely, oncologic conditions. For this reason, it is important not to overlook lesions that do not heal or recur frequently and undergo specialist evaluation.
How can I prevent stomatitis?
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, stress management, use of soft-bristled toothbrushes, and regular dental checkups are the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of stomatitis. If you are predisposed to recurrent forms, your dentist can recommend individualized arrangements.
In summary
- Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa that can have different causes: canker sores, viral infections (herpes), fungal infections (candida), allergies, medications.
- The most common symptoms are pain, burning, ulcers, redness and difficulty eating.
- Diagnosis requires a dental examination to identify the cause and set up the correct treatment.
- Treatment varies according to the type: local therapies, systemic, removal of the cause, occupational hygiene.
- A lesion that does not heal within 2-3 weeks should always be evaluated by the dentist.
- Prevention is based on thorough oral hygiene, balanced diet, stress management and regular checkups.
If you suffer from recurrent stomatitis, have oral cavity lesions that are not healing, or would like a thorough checkup, the team at Grimaldi Dental Center in Bologna is here to help. During your visit, we will assess your specific situation with the help of digital technologies to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Installment payment plans are available to be agreed upon at the time of the visit.
Book your follow-up visit: each case is individually evaluated by our multidisciplinary team.
Contact
Grimaldi Dental Center
Via P. Grimaldi 6/e, Bologna
Phone:
+39 051 6494868
WhatsApp:
+39 333 7707765
The information in this article is general in nature and is not a substitute for an individual clinical evaluation by a dentist.
Direttore Sanitario del Centro Odontoiatrico Grimaldi. Si occupa di implantologia e chirurgia avanzata. Ha frequentato diversi corsi di perfezionamento in Italia e all’estero riguardanti l’implantologia dentale, la protesi fissa e mobile e anche odontoiatria estetica.
