Stomatitis: Not a Stomach Disease

What is stomatitis? No, it is not a stomach disease. “Stoma” is latin for “mouth” and “itis” is the suffix for inflammatory diseases. Therefore, stomatitis is a sore or inflammation that occurs in your mouth. Stomatitis sounds more serious than it is but it can be uncomfortable. It can make eating, drinking, and speaking difficult. Learn more about stomatitis, its symptoms, and treatments, by taking the true or false quiz below.

True or False?

1. True or False: Stomatitis is the medical term for a mouth sore.
2. True or False: Stomatitis usually only develops on your tongue.
3. True or False: Some types of this oral inflammation are contagious.
4. True or False: The cause of mouth irritations has yet to be discovered.
5. True or False: There is no treatment for stomatitis.

Answers:

1. True: Stomatitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of any part of your oral cavity.
2. False: It can develop anywhere in your mouth, on your cheeks, tongue, lips, the roof, or floor.
3. True: Types of stomatitis include cold sores, canker sores, and other general mouth irritations. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type-1virus and are contagious.
4. False: There are numerous reasons mouth irritations develop. Some reasons include: Biting your lip, cheek, or tongue; chewing tobacco; braces; a burn from a hot beverage or hot food; certain medications, certain autoimmune diseases, radiation therapy.
5. False: To relieve pain or discomfort Ibuprofen or Tylenol can be used. Blistex or Campho-Phenique can be used on cold sores and canker sores. For sores inside the oral cavity a topical corticosteroid such as triamcinolone can be used.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. Brian Evans, Dr. William Wager, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.