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Allergic stomatitis
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The most common complaints of patients who are diagnosed with allergic stomatitis are swelling of soft tissues in the oral cavity (tongue, palate, etc.). Because of severe swelling, it becomes harder for a person to swallow, an increased tongue does not fit in the oral cavity, because of which patients often bite it.
The disease occurs usually as a result of a general allergic reaction. Allergy makes the body as sensitive as possible, resulting in symptoms that are characteristic of stomatitis. Most often, allergic stomatitis is a reaction to medications (antibiotics, sulfonamides). Usually the allergy in this case develops in a slowed pace, i.e. The first symptoms appear after 20 days after taking the medication. Also, allergic stomatitis can provoke some foods, usually this is observed in young children. To cause an allergic reaction in the mouth can directly contact with the allergen (dentures made of plastic, special alloys).
Causes of allergic stomatitis
Allergic reactions in humans can appear at any age, even if there have been no similar reactions to pollen, plants, medicines, etc. Was not observed. The manifestation of such reactions can be associated with genetic changes in the body, malfunctioning of the immune system. Responsible for the formation of antibodies to various pathogens and viruses, blood cells, at some point begin to react to a substance that got into the body as an "enemy", resulting in a typical allergy.
At some point, a product familiar to a person (honey, chamomile tea) can become the strongest allergen, which causes a severe reaction of the body. It has now been established that about 1/3 of the world's population suffers from severe allergy. Approximately 20% of all allergic rashes are observed in the oral mucosa, when allergic stomatitis is manifested.
Conditionally, the causes of allergic stomatitis are divided into two groups: substances that enter the body and substances that contact the oral mucosa. To substances that enter the body, include medicines, mold, pollen, etc., to those in contact with mucous substances - various objects that act directly on the mucosa, thereby provoking irritation. Dentures made of low quality materials are a fairly common cause of allergic reactions in the mouth. In addition to poor-quality materials, the cause of the development of the disease can become bacteria and the products of their vital activity, which accumulate in the prosthetic bed and irritate the tender mucous membrane. Small cracks, wounds are a good medium for the life of such microorganisms. To provoke allergic stomatitis of contact type also medical preparations which are used during treatment of a teeth or which it is necessary rassasyvat can.
Substances that enter the body can cause a peculiar reaction of immunity, which manifests itself in the form of rashes, itching, burning on soft tissues and mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Immunity can thus react not only to antibiotics or potent drugs, it is possible to respond to any other medications, including antihistamines. Also, rashes can trigger a variety of factors - ecology, hormonal failure, etc.
Symptoms of allergic stomatitis
If the allergic stomatitis is caused by medicinal preparations, the symptoms of the manifestation of the disease are quite diverse. Usually, patients complain of burning, itching, dry mouth, soreness during meals. At a visual inspection in the oral cavity, you can see a strong redness, swelling. Puffiness can affect the shell of the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, palate. One of the characteristic features of allergic stomatitis is a smooth and shiny tongue with a slight puffiness. Such changes can occur on the lips.
A widespread symptom of the disease are vesicular lesions of the oral mucosa, which eventually burst and ulcers appear in their place, which can merge with each other, forming large enough foci of inflammation.
When the body reacts to tetracycline, a white or brownish coating may appear on the tongue, painful deep fissures appear in the corners of the lips.
Allergic stomatitis can develop after a visit to the dental office, when drugs for the treatment of carious cavities, blood-resurfacing, bleaching gels, etc., accidentally get onto the mucous membrane.
Widely distributed contact form of allergic stomatitis, which develops as a result of prolonged exposure to mucous membranes and gum polymeric removable dentures.
Allergic stomatitis in children
The oral cavity is connected to internal organs (digestive system, lungs, etc.) and is designed to moisten incoming air, protect against various pathogenic microorganisms and other adverse environmental influences. The mucous membrane of the mouth is quickly renewed, in the human body it is responsible for many functions: taste, protection from external factors, salivation, etc. Normal operation of the oral cavity can be disturbed by various diseases, malnutrition, overheating, drugs, etc., which the result will lead to the development of the disease, especially susceptible to which young children.
Allergic stomatitis in childhood, as a rule, does not act as an independent disease, it is a symptom of the general allergic reaction of the body to a stimulus (food, medicines, etc.). Children prone to the disease with predisposed to allergic reactions. In some cases, allergic stomatitis in children develops due to contact of the mucosa with dental materials (seal), braces. Quite often in childhood, allergic stomatitis develops due to carious teeth.
At the initial stage of the disease, a child may complain of soreness in the mouth (itching, burning). There may be swelling of the tongue, lips, cheeks. In some cases, a plaque appears in the oral cavity, more often on the tongue, there is a sour smell from the mouth, increased salivation.
In childhood, stomatitis can develop either limitedly or extensively (throughout the oral cavity). If the entire mucous membrane is affected, a longer treatment will be required in the mouth, especially if the child's immunity is reduced.
Allergic stomatitis in adults
The most frequent complaints of patients who have allergic stomatitis are swelling in the mouth (lips, pharynx, tongue, cheeks, palate). Due to puffiness swallowing is difficult, patients often bite soft tissues in the mouth (tongue, cheeks). Allergy is the main cause of the disease, it increases the sensitivity of the body to irritation, which is manifested as characteristic of stomatitis signs. Often, allergic stomatitis is a reaction to medications, in some cases, the development of the disease can begin in 15-20 days, after taking medications (usually sulfonamides).
Often there are cases of allergic reactions on the oral mucosa due to food, various irritants in the oral cavity (dentures, crowns, etc.). Allergic stomatitis can be provoked by such alloys as cobalt, gold, chromium, and also acrylic plastics.
What's bothering you?
Diagnosis of allergic stomatitis
Diagnosis of patients who are supposed to have allergic stomatitis first begins with the detection of allergies and factors that could provoke it (bronchial asthma, chronic diseases, hives, heredity, etc.). Also taken into account the diseases of the digestive system, menopause in women, violations of the endocrine function, helminthiasis. Particular attention is paid to the existing dentures, as well as the period of their wearing.
On examination, the doctor notes, first of all, the hydration of the oral cavity, the type of saliva (liquid, foamy, etc.). As can be seen from the observations, the type of saliva depends on the existing diseases of the salivary glands, wearing dentures, taking medications. When reacting to dental prostheses of an allergic nature, it is recommended to exclude their use for several days, usually after the prosthesis stops interacting with the oral mucosa, salivation returns to normal, foam disappears, the general condition of the oral cavity improves. Attention when examining dental prostheses should be paid to materials used in the manufacture (gold, chromocobalt, alloys, plastics, stainless steel, etc.), existing pores, length, number of rations, shade change.
The main direction in the diagnosis of allergic reactions in the oral cavity is the detection of an allergen, a background disease. The determinative role in the diagnosis of allergic stomatitis is played by diseases in the past of the patient, complaints, a general clinical picture.
Evaluation of the quality and accuracy of manufacturing dentures, allows to establish the cause of inflammation of the oral cavity (mechanical, toxic-chemical, etc.). Mechanical irritation causes too sharp and long edges of the prosthesis, a rough surface of the inner part, a changed basis, an incorrect distribution of pressure on some parts of the prosthetic bed, as a result of inaccurate impression removal, etc.
Visual examination of the oral cavity reveals focal lesions or extensive inflammation (also possible the absence of inflammatory processes). The defeat of the oral cavity in some places (focal) is mainly caused by mechanical action, trauma, etc. If the inflammation is observed throughout the mucous membrane, then in this case it is a question of the general reaction of the organism to the stimulus. In the absence of visible signs of inflammation, the process of mucosal atrophy has begun.
The chemical-spectral analysis of saliva on the trace elements is mandatory. With an increased content of iron, copper, gold, etc., and the appearance of impurities that are unusual for man (cadmium, lead, titanium, etc.), the body begins an electrochemical process.
Among the diagnostic tests and tests that are prescribed for patients with suspected allergic stomatitis, the following are distinguished:
- a blood test, which is taken first without a prosthesis, then after 2 hours of wearing a denture;
- sample with removal of dental prosthesis. For a few days the prosthesis is removed from the oral cavity, usually after this, the patient's condition improves;
- The provocative test is carried out after the sample with the removal of the prosthesis, when it is reintroduced into use, if all the clinical manifestations are resumed, the reaction is considered positive.
- a scarification-film test, which is safe and easy to perform. This test allows you to determine the reaction of the body to salts (on the scratch, alcohol salt solutions are applied, which are then covered with a film-forming composition; after 2 days, the reaction is evaluated);
- the leukopenic test is determined by the analysis of blood from the finger, the level of leukocytes without prostheses in the oral cavity (in the morning, on an empty stomach), then after three hours of wearing the prosthesis, the blood is given repeatedly and the results obtained are compared. If the level of white blood cells has decreased, this may indicate a sensitivity to the plastic. The test should not be conducted with an exacerbation of an allergic reaction, high temperature.
- a test of chemical silvering of the surface of an acrylic denture. The reaction to the sample will be positive, in the case of disappeared (or significantly reduced) unpleasant sensations in the oral cavity, usually the condition of the prosthetic bed is also normalized.
- test for the activity of saliva enzymes (toxic reactions to acrylics increase activity 2 to 4 times).
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Treatment of allergic stomatitis
With such conditions as allergic stomatitis, it is necessary to carry out complex treatment. In case of reaction to dentures, it is necessary to exclude the effect of the allergen (i.e., to stop wearing denture), it is also necessary to take measures to prevent the development of the disease in the future (replacement of the prosthesis). The patient must follow a diet that includes the necessary amount of trace elements and vitamins, you should completely eliminate the acute, salty, sour and foods that provoke allergies (eggs, coffee, strawberries, citrus fruits, etc.). You also need to stop using mineral water.
The main principle of treating allergic stomatitis is to avoid contact or use of the allergen as soon as possible. With all sorts of unpleasant sensations in the oral cavity (itching, burning, soreness, swelling, redness, rashes, etc.), you need to see a dentist who will help determine the cause of irritation, prescribe effective treatment, if necessary, he will refer to other specialists (endocrinologist, therapist etc.).
Usually, in the treatment of allergic stomatitis, antihistamines (clarotadine, suprasin, fenistil, etc.) are used together with vitamins of group B, C, PP, folic acid. Inflamed parts of the oral mucosa are treated with antiseptic, analgesic, healing solutions and agents (actovegin, kamistad, sea buckthorn oil, etc.).
Treatment of allergic stomatitis in children
Allergic stomatitis in childhood, as well as adults, is usually a common reaction of the body to an allergen. Irritation in the oral cavity is the result of the interaction of the body's antibodies with allergic particles. Treatment should be aimed at early detection of the allergen and its elimination. With drug allergy, you should exclude the use of medication, if you are allergic to certain foods - to exclude the use of these products, when the body reacts to the composition of the fillings - you need to turn to the dentist and replace the seal.
The oral cavity should be rinsed with special antiseptics, preferably having an analgesic effect (lysozyme, urotropin with novocaine, etc.). The sores can be cauterized with aniline dyes or a mixture of antibiotic and vitamin B1 is applied.
Treatment of allergic stomatitis in adults
Treatment of allergic stomatitis is primarily aimed at eliminating allergenic factors. In the treatment often used hyposensitizing drugs (reducing the sensitivity of the body to the allergen). In the event that stomatitis has passed into a heavier form, hospital treatment and drip administration of special preparations is recommended. During treatment, it is necessary to maintain oral hygiene at a high level, rinse after each meal. Nutrition is also very important. In the period of treatment, you should stop using alcoholic beverages, salty, sharp and acidic foods and dishes, since such food provokes even more irritation in the oral cavity.
Allergic stomatitis is accompanied by severe lesions of the oral mucosa. In this case, in order to facilitate the condition, it is possible to supplement the basic treatment with effective alternative methods that will help accelerate the healing and tissue regeneration process. Aloe or Kalanchoe juice has good healing properties, so the plant juice is recommended to lubricate the inflamed areas in the mouth, and rinsing with solutions containing such plants will help reduce inflammation. Some experts even advise their patients to chew sometimes scarlet leaves.
The crude potato also has a good anti-inflammatory effect. Potato juice or gruel from it (grate on a small grater) should be applied for some time to the affected areas of the mucosa.
It helps to get rid of soreness and unpleasant sensations by rinsing with cabbage or carrot juice (1: 1 diluted with water).
Garlic has an antiviral and healing effect, for the treatment of stomatitis in adults, grated garlic or sliced through garlic is diluted with yoghurt (curdled milk). The heated mixture is evenly distributed throughout the oral cavity with the help of a tongue and held for a while. The procedure can be performed once a day.
Propolis is known for its medicinal properties. Propolis tincture can be used from the first days of the disease. Before use, the inflamed areas are washed with hydrogen peroxide, a little dried, then a few drops of tincture are applied, and then dried to form a film.
Chamomile has good antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, so with stomatitis, rinse your mouth with a tincture of this plant (200ml boiling water, 2 tablespoons chamomile, insist 20-25 minutes).
Sea-buckthorn oil is known for its wound-healing properties, it is recommended to lubricate sores in the mouth with such oil, it will promote tissue regeneration and early healing.
More information of the treatment
Prevention of allergic stomatitis
Preventive measures with a tendency to allergic stomatitis, is a good care of the oral cavity. Caries, gum disease, and the like. Must be treated promptly. It is necessary to visit the dentist on a regular basis with the preventive purpose (removal of various deposits, correction of inconvenient prostheses, polishing of sharp edges of crowns, etc.).
Proper, nutritious nutrition is also a good way to prevent allergic manifestations. From the diet, it is necessary to exclude food-allergens. Also, a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions, as often allergies appear as a result of failures in the body. First of all, you need to give up smoking, because nicotine is extremely harmful not only for the oral mucosa, but for the whole body as a whole.
Allergic stomatitis is a very dangerous disease, which, if ignored or incorrectly treated, can lead to severe damage in the oral cavity. The disease at the initial stage is cured rather quickly (in about 2 weeks), more severe and neglected cases may require special treatment in a hospital. In order not to bring yourself to this state, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner for advice, and also to observe the recommended preventive measures.