Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, throat and roof or floor of the mouth. When stomatitis is periodic, it is referred to as aphthous stomatitis. As for oral candidiasis, it is caused by a fungal infection and usually affects infants. If it is vesicular, it was caused by a virus, as is the case of herpetic stomatitis for example. In the case of an erythematous stomatitis, the inflammations mostly appear on the gums and are, most of the time, mostly ude to infected and decayed teeth.
The warning signs of each type of stomatitis differ from one patient to the next. For example, the ulcers can range from 2 mm to 1 cm in diameter, with a conglomeration of one to 5 canker sores that will heal after about 10 days. Canker sores that measure more than one centimetre in diameter take15 days to heal, while in the case of stomatitis with more than 5 to 10 ulcers, it may take up to two months for healing of the ulcerated area to complete. In addition, canker sores that are symptomatic of stomatitis need to be differentiated from ulcers that appear in the eye and genital area.
Canker sores announcing stomatitis can be treated with Mercurius solubilis 5 CH and Borax 5 CH, of which three daily 3-granule intakes need to be taken. For a disease-modifying treatment, you can opt for the homoeopathic remedy Borax 9 CH, of which 5 granules need to be taken every two hours. Mercurius solubilis is especially indicated in the treatment of ulcers that result in bad breath and profuse salivation. Sometimes the oral mucosa may be hot and painful and the gums may bleed. The use of Borax is recommended for children undergoing the teething process and presenting canker sores. In this case, administer the remedy in 5 CH or 30 K dilution, with four to six daily intakes, each consisting of 3 granules of the remedy.
If the patient has canker sores that are relieved by drinking a hot beverage, the recommended homoeopathic remedy is Arsenicum Album 5 CH, of which 3 granules need to be taken four to six times a day. If the ulcers sting and are deep and irregular, it is advisable to take three granules of Nitricum Acidum 5 CH, six times a day. Regarding the remedy Sulfuricum Acidum, its use is recommended if the canker sore secretes a yellow substance. The dose will be of 3 granules of 5-CH dilution, to be taken four to six times per day.
In addition to mouth ulcers, stomatitis may also generate tingling or burning sensations before the onset of mouth ulcers. If the ulcer is white or extremely painful in its early stages, especially at mealtime, we are faced with a case of stomatitis. In this case, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Moreover, self-medication is only recommended if the subject is healthy and presents no other symptoms.
Good to know: Before opting for a specific homoeopathic remedy, it is important to accurately determine the causes and symptoms of stomatitis in order to ensure maximum effectiveness. Indeed, canker sores are not always warning signs of stomatitis.
