Stomatitis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa that can cause pain, redness, swelling, and even ulcers or canker sores. This condition can interfere with comfort while eating, speaking, and performing other daily activities. Stomatitis may be caused by various factors, including viral and bacterial infections, mechanical trauma, allergies, or deficiencies in certain nutrients.
Common Symptoms of Stomatitis
The symptoms of stomatitis may vary depending on the cause, but the most common include:
- Ulcers or canker sores inside the lips, cheeks, or tongue.
- Redness and pain in the inflamed areas.
- Bad breath.
- Sometimes accompanied by fever if caused by an infection.
Folic Acid and Its Role in Healing
In addition to maintaining oral hygiene, fulfilling certain nutritional needs, such as folic acid , is essential to prevent and accelerate the healing of stomatitis. Folic acid plays a role in the formation of new cells and the repair of damaged tissues.
A study by the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) highlights the significant potential of folic acid in aiding the healing process of oral mucosal wounds.
Folic Acid Supplementation Accelerates the Healing of Oral Mucosal Inflammation
Research conducted by FKG UGM student Nanditha Puspadewi, under the supervision of Drg. Nunuk Purwanti, M.Kes., Ph.D., and Dr. Drg. Retno Ardhani, M.Sc., shows that folic acid supplementation has an effect on increasing angiogenesis during the healing of oral mucosal inflammation. Angiogenesis is one of the key mechanisms in tissue regeneration, as it helps form new blood vessels.
With the formation of new blood vessels, nutrients and oxygen can more easily reach the wounded area, making the healing process faster and more effective.
How to Prevent Stomatitis
To reduce the risk of stomatitis, here are some preventive measures you can take:
- Practicing good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth regularly twice a day, use dental floss, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash if needed.
- Avoid trauma to the oral mucosa: Refrain from biting your lips or cheeks, and avoid foods that are too hot or sharp.
- Pay attention to nutrition: Ensure adequate intake of vitamins, especially B-complex vitamins such as folic acid, which play an important role in maintaining oral tissue health.
- Manage stress: Stress is known to trigger canker sores and oral inflammation.
- Avoid trigger foods: Such as overly spicy, acidic foods, or those that
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Stomatitis is a common yet disruptive condition. Prevention is better than cure, and one natural way to support oral mucosal health is to ensure an adequate intake of essential nutrients like folic acid. UGM's research reinforces our understanding that nutrition is not just about energy—it also plays a key role in the body's natural healing process.
References
Nanditha Puspadewi, drg. Nunuk Purwanti,M.Kes,Ph.D, Dr. drg. Retno Ardhani, M.Sc., The Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation on Angiogenesis in the Healing Process of Oral Mucosal Inflammation (An In Vivo Study on Wistar Rats), https://etd.repository.ugm.ac.id/penelitian/detail/111294
Author: Rizky B. Hendrawan | Photo: Freepik
