How can you get stomatitis?

Stomatitis is a common disease of the oral cavity, in which the mucous membranes are affected with the formation of painful sores on them. This is accompanied by pain, sometimes fever. Many are interested in whether stomatitis is contagious and how it is transmitted to humans. Today we will analyze this issue in detail.

Some types of stomatitis are viral or infectious in nature, so they can be transmitted to other people. We invite you to find out how stomatitis is transmitted from one person to another.

1. Airborne. That is, the causative agent of stomatitis when air is exhaled, coughed or sneezed by an infected person enters the environment. Transmission occurs by inhalation of air with the causative agent of the disease.
2. Domestic. Infection in this way occurs in the family circle. For example, if a person drinks from the same cup that the sick person used. This is just an example - the pathogen can also be transmitted through other utensils or other things.
3. Contact. Stomatitis is also transmitted through a kiss. Moreover, in this case, the most rapid and intensive development of the disease is noted, since the pathogen enters directly on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Therefore, kissing during the period of illness is highly discouraged if you are concerned about the health of a loved one.
4. Much less often, infection occurs through the blood.

As you can see, the probability of contracting stomatitis is quite high. You can "catch" a virus or infection anywhere: in transport, public organizations, in a store or just on the street.

What types of stomatitis are contagious?

Not everyone knows, but stomatitis is different. Some of its forms are contagious, others are completely harmless to others. Let's look at each species individually and see if it can be transmitted to other people.

1. Herpetic stomatitis is contagious. They can be infected in any place of mass congestion of people, when using common dishes that have not been boiled. The transmission of the virus is possible even when talking with an infected person, eating food with unwashed hands.
2. Bacterial stomatitis can also be transmitted by contact or airborne droplets. But for the development of bacteria, certain conditions are needed - weakened general and local immunity, anemia, beriberi. That is, if you are an absolutely healthy person with strong immunity, then the probability of getting sick with bacterial stomatitis tends to zero.
3. Fungal stomatitis in adults is transmitted only by contact or household means. It is almost impossible to catch it in public transport, at work or in a store if you follow the rules of personal hygiene. Washing hands before eating and avoiding kissing an infected person will minimize the chance of getting sick.
4. The aphthous form of the disease can have a different nature. Sometimes it occurs as a result of allergies, concomitant diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract, with Behçet's disease or systemic lupus erythematosus. In this case, it is completely safe for others. But just as common is aphthous stomatitis of a viral, infectious or staphylococcal nature - in this case, it is easily transmitted to healthy people from patients.
5. The allergic form occurs as a result of the body's reaction to irritating substances: drugs, toothpastes, food. Allergic stomatitis is not contagious at all.
6. The traumatic form develops as a result of damage to the mucous membranes of the mouth with coarse food, the sharp edge of the teeth, prostheses or braces. This type of stomatitis does not pose a danger to others.

Now you know whether stomatitis is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy one and how it happens. Given that many forms of stomatitis are contagious, steps must be taken to reduce the likelihood of the disease..

How long does the dangerous period last?

In order for preventive measures to be most effective, it does not hurt to know how long the dangerous period in terms of infection lasts. The duration of the disease itself, subject to full treatment, lasts from 5 to 10 days, depending on the severity of its course. During all this time, the risk of infection remains. Some time after the disappearance of all symptoms, the threat of transmission of the virus or infection disappears.

In addition to the disease itself, when all the symptoms are already present, there is also an incubation period that lasts an average of 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the pathogen. When there are no external manifestations yet, but the virus or infection is already developing in the body, there is already a considerable probability of infection. That is, it is often possible to “catch” stomatitis from a perfectly healthy outwardly person.

Preventive measures

Is it possible to protect yourself from stomatitis? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely exclude the possibility of the disease, since it is very often transmitted by airborne droplets. But you can try not to get infected by taking comprehensive preventive measures. To do this, follow a few simple rules.

1. If there is a sick person in the house with a diagnosed form of herpes or infectious stomatitis, then he must have separate dishes and cutlery.
2. Stick to a balanced diet, avoiding excessively rough and traumatic foods.
3. Strengthen your immune system. This can be done by periodically taking multivitamin complexes, spending more time in the fresh air. It is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits. Moderate exercise is also good for the immune system.
4. Visit the dentist regularly to treat the initial stages of caries, to carry out professional teeth cleaning.
5. Maintain your own oral hygiene using preventive pastes and dental floss.
6. Good personal hygiene will also help reduce the chance of infection. Be sure to wash your hands after the street and every time before eating.

By following these simple rules, you will minimize the possibility of stomatitis. To completely cure stomatitis, you must definitely consult a doctor to prescribe a full treatment. In conclusion, we invite you to watch a video from which you will learn how to speed up the healing process.