Stomatitis in children is a common problem that causes significant discomfort due to great pain. Often with stomatitis, the mucous membrane of the tongue is affected. Why does this happen and how is this inflammation treated?
Symptoms
Inflammatory processes in the tongue are manifested:
- The presence of vesicles, ulcers, abscesses, plaque or other elements of inflammation on the surface of the tongue, as well as their soreness.
- Swelling of the mucous membrane.
- An increase in body temperature. In some cases, the child's condition may not change, and sometimes with stomatitis, the temperature can rise to 40 degrees.
- Bleeding gums.
- Violation of salivation - both a lack of saliva in the mouth, and excessive salivation.
- Bad breath.
- Anxiety and crying if a very young child has the disease.
Causes
Normally, the mucous membrane of the tongue is protected from damage by saliva, therefore, for the appearance of stomatitis on the tongue, the coincidence of several factors is most often required, for example, trauma to the mucous membrane and the ingress of bacteria into the oral cavity.
The following reasons can lead to stomatitis in the tongue:
- Viruses and bacteria. It happens that stomatitis is provoked by microorganisms that constantly reside in the child's mouth, but do not cause infection, since there are components with an antiseptic effect in saliva. In case of disturbances in the production of saliva and an increase in the number of microorganisms in the mouth, wounds may form on the tongue. Also, microbes and viruses can be activated by weakening immunity or taking antibacterial agents. In addition, stomatitis in the tongue can be caused by pathogenic viruses (for example, herpes virus) and bacteria (very often staphylococci).
- Fungi. They often affect the mucous membrane of the tongue in children of the first year of life, when the baby becomes infected with candida from the mother, through a dummy or toys. Also, the fungal flora can be activated during long-term treatment (especially in the treatment with drugs that lower immunity) and the use of sugar-containing mixtures.
- Failure to comply with oral hygiene. If a child brushes his teeth incorrectly or very rarely, does not clean the mouth of food debris, or licks dirty hands, this often provokes inflammation.
- Disruption of the digestive tract. The condition of the tongue can signal a malfunction in the digestive system, therefore, with frequent stomatitis, it is worth contacting a gastroenterologist.
- Worms. Worm infestation can cause recurring rashes on the surface of the tongue.
- Injury. Tongue can be injured by teeth or some hard objects. The child may develop inflammation in the tongue after eating cereals, crackers, lozenges. Bite defects can cause the permanent appearance of stomatitis elements on the tip of the tongue.
- Allergy. Allergic reactions to food, toothpaste or medications can lead to inflammation of the mucous membrane on the tongue.
- Ingestion of toxic substances. This can be paint, varnish, building materials or other harmful compounds that a child can accidentally lick.
Baby sensations
Since the inflammation in stomatitis is very painful, the child will complain of pain and refuse to eat. Sometimes the pain is so severe that the baby cannot speak.
Treatment
Stomatitis in the tongue is most often treated at home, but if the child's condition has not improved in 1-2 days, it should be shown to the doctor.
The disease is treated mainly symptomatically, since it is possible to influence the cause of stomatitis only with herpes or bacterial form. In this case, antiviral or antibacterial medications are prescribed. In all other cases, treatment will be directed primarily at pain relief and cleansing of the tongue with antiseptics.
Antiseptic drugs
Such funds help remove viruses, germs and other disease-causing factors from the tongue and mouth, as well as relieve pain a little. Rinsing can be done with Furacilin or Chlorhexidine. Also, children are recommended to use herbal remedies, for example, infusion of calendula, oak bark or chamomile. The rinsing solutions should be warm, and the procedure itself should be performed at least 6 times a day (preferably after meals).
Pain medications
Since the pain syndrome in stomatitis is quite pronounced, the best choice for treatment would be gels and sprays with substances that have an analgesic effect. Among them are Kamistad, Hexoral, Dentinox. Gels should be applied to the back of the tongue with a cotton swab.
