bubble_chart Overview

This disease mainly refers to inflammation of the oral mucosa, which is relatively common in childhood, hinders eating, and affects children's health.

bubble_chart Etiology

disease cause

1. Internal causes

   are related to the overall health condition of children. A weakened immune system can easily lead to the disease. For example, oral candidiasis (caused by Candida albicans). Chinese Taxillus Herb spores can survive in dust for a long time and are present in the oral cavity, skin, and other areas of normal, healthy children. When malnutrition occurs or the body's resistance decreases, the disease may develop.

2. External causes

   (1) Oral mucosal injury: The oral mucosa of children is delicate and often damaged by mechanical factors (such as wiping the mouth with cloth or cotton) or physical factors (such as consuming overly hot food or drinks).

(2) Secondary infection after injury: Caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or spirochetes.

(3) Deficiency of vitamin B complex.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

[Common clinical oral mucosal diseases]

1. Thrush is caused by Candida albicans infection, commonly seen in newborns, malnourished children, and infants with chronic diarrhea. It occurs due to poor resistance, improper oral care, or prolonged use of antibiotics and adrenal corticosteroids. The main clinical feature is the presence of white dot-like or small patchy membrane-like substances covering the oral mucosa, resembling milk curds but not as easily wiped away. Vigorous wiping may cause bleeding. It most frequently affects the buccal mucosa but can also involve the tongue surface, gums, and palate. Mild cases show no systemic symptoms, while severe cases may present with dysphoria, restlessness, refusal to eat, and failure to gain weight. For difficult diagnoses, a smear of the white membrane can be taken, mixed with a drop of 10% sodium hydroxide, and examined under a microscope to reveal Candida albicans hyphae and spores.

2. Herpetic stomatitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus, commonly seen in children aged 1–6 years. Onset is marked by fever, often accompanied by respiratory symptoms, refusal to eat, drooling, and dysphoria. The oral mucosa becomes congested, and the gums red and swollen. Herpes lesions appear on the tongue, inner lips, cheeks, and palate, initially as small red spots that quickly turn into herpes vesicles 2–3 mm in diameter, surrounded by a red halo. These later form shallow ulcers, which are numerous and often cluster together, merging into larger lesions. Fever can reach 39–40°C. Secondary infections by streptococci, staphylococci, or fungi may occur, causing severe mouth pain, increased drooling, and cracked, swollen lips, often accompanied by submandibular lymph node enlargement. The course is prolonged, with fever lasting 5–7 days, ulcers healing in 1–2 weeks, and swollen lymph nodes subsiding in 2–3 weeks.

3. Acute coccigenic stomatitis is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, or pneumococci, commonly seen in infants and young children when resistance is low or oral hygiene is poor. It manifests as congested and edematous oral mucosa, followed by scattered superficial ulcers of varying sizes with clear edges. The ulcers are covered by a thick fibrinous exudate forming a grayish-white or yellow pseudomembrane. When the pseudomembrane is peeled off, a hemorrhagic erosion is revealed. Smears or cultures of the pseudomembrane can identify the causative bacteria. Due to mouth pain, children may refuse to eat, and severe cases exhibit fetid mouth odor, fever up to 39–40°C, localized lymph node enlargement and tenderness, and often elevated white blood cell counts.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

﹝Treatment﹞

1. Systemic treatment includes nutritional and fluid supplementation, with intravenous infusion if necessary. Pay attention to nursing care during fever and supplement with vitamin B complex and vitamin C. Antibiotics may be used to prevent secondary infections.
2. Local treatment

   (1) Clean the oral cavity with 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2% sodium bicarbonate to clean ulcer surfaces.

(2) For anti-inflammatory purposes, use 0.25% aureomycin glycerin, 1% iodine glycerin, Xilei Powder, Borneol and Borax Powder, etc.

(3) For pain relief, apply 1% procaine or 2% lidocaine solution. A thin drug membrane may be placed locally for pain relief. For thrush, apply 1% Chinese Gentian Violet and nystatin glycerin (100,000 u/2ml) locally.

bubble_chart Prevention

1. In addition to active treatment for systemic diseases, pay attention to oral care, supplement vitamins early, especially B vitamins. Use antibiotics rationally.
2. Maintain oral hygiene. For newborns, often feed boiled water instead of cleaning the mouth, and avoid rubbing the oral cavity.
3. Sterilize tableware by boiling to prevent contamination and ensure cleanliness.