Stomatitis in children - symptoms

Stomatitis is the most common infectious disease for children of all ages, affecting the oral cavity. This disease can be caused by many reasons, therefore, in order to provide timely assistance, one should know the types, signs and symptoms of stomatitis in children, especially important for infants, because they themselves can not explain what is happening to them.

Types and causes of stomatitis

1. Candidiasis (fungal) stomatitis - is caused by fungi of the genus candida.
2. Herpetic (viral) stomatitis is fungal herpes.
3. Microbial stomatitis - the entry of various microbes such as staphylococcus and streptococcus, if the hygiene rules are not respected.
4. Allergic stomatitis - as an allergic reaction to the stimulus.
5. Traumatic stomatitis - any injuries of the mouth: burned with hot liquid, biting cheeks, lips or tongue, scratches by any object, broken teeth, chewing cheeks.
6. Aphthous stomatitis is a violation of the balance of vitamins.

How does stomatitis develop in children?

All types of stomatitis are characterized by general and specific symptoms.

Common symptoms:

• capriciousness and tearfulness of the child;
• decrease or total absence of appetite;
• disturbing pain in the mouth during meals;
• increased body temperature;
• swelling and redness of the mouth (gums and mucous membranes);
• plaque on the tongue;
• the appearance of an unpleasant odor and increased salivation;
• the appearance of ulcers in the entire oral cavity and in the corners of the lips.

Specific symptoms:

Candidiasis (fungal) stomatitis

In infants it is easy to identify fungal stomatitis by the following signs: in the mouth there will be white specks (mostly on the cheeks) and the baby will cry during breastfeeding or at all to give up the breast.

White plaque, which appears with candidal stomatitis, is called thrush. It covers the oral cavity with spots with uneven edges, which, if the plaque is cleaned, begin to bleed.

Herpetic (viral) stomatitis

The main sign of herpetic stomatitis in a child is a rash on the lip, sometimes accompanied by a runny nose and a cough. Small round or oval light yellow ulcers framed by a bright red inflamed fringe appear everywhere in the mouth (on the cheeks, lips, tongue) and are accompanied by bleeding gums. The same spots appear also with aphthous stomatitis.

Lymph nodes increase and become painful. With a severe form of this kind of stomatitis, the temperature in children can rise to 40 ° C.

Microbial stomatitis

With this kind of stomatitis, the lips stick together and are covered with a thick yellow crust, the child hardly opens his mouth. Usually accompanies angina, otitis and pneumonia.

Traumatic stomatitis

In the place of damage, inflammation and swelling appear, after a while ulcers are formed.

With any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor who, before determining the type of stomatitis in a child and prescribing treatment, should carefully inspect his oral cavity.

To prevent stomatitis:

1. Remember, this is an infectious disease and is transmitted by airborne droplets: through toys, dishes, linens, nipples. Disinfect all with boiling.
2. Do not give children unwashed vegetables and fruits, hot or cold water.
3. Maintain the immunity of the child.
4. Avoid contacting the child with people with herpetic rashes.

Knowing what the mouth looks like in children with stomatitis, you can always notice it at an early stage of development. After all, this infectious disease is scary not only with pain and the appearance of ulcers in the mouth, but in that it leads to a decrease in all immunity and contributes to the development of other diseases.