Aphthous stomatitis represents an inflammatory lesion of the oral mucosa characterized by painful round-shaped ulcerative defects. This pathology affects 20% of the population and requires qualified treatment.
What does aphthous stomatitis look like?
Characteristic signs are small ulcers 2-8 mm in size with well-defined borders, covered with a whitish coating. The defects are surrounded by a bright red inflammatory rim and are extremely painful to touch. They are located on the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, tongue and soft palate.
Causes of pathology development
The etiology is not fully established. Main risk factors include immunological disorders, mechanical injuries from sharp tooth edges, deficiency of B-group vitamins, iron and folates. Hormonal fluctuations in women influence the development of recurrent forms. Infectious agents may act as triggers against the background of reduced immunity.
Clinical picture features
The disease begins with discomfort, burning and pain in the affected area. Ulcer formation occurs within a day. The pain syndrome reaches its maximum on day 2-3, then gradually decreases. With multiple lesions, lymph node enlargement, subfebrile temperature and speech disturbances are possible.
Differential diagnosis
Distinctive features of aphthous stomatitis are clear ulcer contours and fibrinous coating. Unlike herpetic lesions, there is no vesicle stage. Candidal lesions are characterized by cottage cheese-like deposits that are easily removed by scraping. Traumatic injuries have an irregular shape without an inflammatory rim.
Stages of disease development
The prodromal period is characterized by subjective symptoms without visible changes. After 24-48 hours, an ulcerative defect with hyperemic edges forms. During the developed picture period, the ulcer becomes covered with fibrinous coating. Healing takes 7-14 days without scarring.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made based on characteristic clinical picture and history. In recurrent forms, laboratory examination is indicated: complete blood count, vitamin level determination. Microbiological studies exclude infectious etiology. In atypical course, cytological examination is performed.
Types of aphthous stomatitis
Acute and chronic recurrent forms are distinguished. Morphologically, fibrinous form with superficial defects, necrotic type with deep lesions, glandular variety with involvement of salivary glands, and scarring form with mucosal deformation are identified.
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at pain relief, healing acceleration and recurrence prevention. Local treatment in Barcelona, at Corona Dental clinic includes anesthetic drugs, antiseptic processing with chlorhexidine or miramistin solutions. In Spain, corticosteroid ointments, growth factor preparations and vitamin complexes are applied. In recurrent forms, immunomodulating therapy is prescribed.
Prevention
Prevention at the Barcelona clinic includes maintaining oral hygiene, sanitation of infection foci, using soft toothbrushes. Important is dietary correction with sufficient intake of vitamins and microelements, exclusion of traumatic factors. Strengthening immunity through healthy lifestyle reduces the frequency of chronic form exacerbations.
