The most common damage to the oral mucosa is stomatitis. The origin of this disease in many cases remains unclear, especially if there is little information in the history. Therefore, it may be difficult for the dentist to answer if stomatitis is contagious. The contagious nature of the pathology depends on several factors, the most important of which is the cause of the inflammatory processes, their pathogen.
Is stomatitis in the mouth contagious to others?
The described ailment, as a rule, arises from the reaction of the immune system to contacts with various stimuli.
From what exactly provoked damage to the oral mucosa and the contagiousness of stomatitis depends. It is determined not by the form of the disease, but by its cause. Therefore, the dentist will not be able to explain if the adult stomatitis is infectious and how this disease is transmitted. After all, this characteristic pathology describes only its symptoms (aphthae on the mucous membranes), and not the causative agent. In the role of the stimulus, both environmental factors (allergy, mechanical damage) and infectious viruses, fungi, and bacteria are not harmful to the environment.
Thus, the contagiousness of the disease is estimated by its cause. Let's consider in more detail
Is stomatitis contagious in adults?
According to the type of stimulus, the following types of stomatitis are distinguished:
- allergic;
- traumatic;
- catarrhal ;
- viral;
- fungal.
The first three varieties are not considered infectious.
Allergic stomatitis is caused by pathological reaction of immunity to chemical and organic compounds, unfavorable external factors.
Traumatic type of the disease occurs due to damage to the mucous membranes by non-removable structures in the mouth, braces, toothbrushes and similar devices.
The catarrhal form of the disease occurs in people who do not pay proper attention to oral hygiene.
Fungal and viral stomatitis are very contagious pathologies.
In the first case there is a candidiasis of the oral cavity . It is not very contagious, as a rule, it is transmitted with a reduced activity of immunity. It can be infected while using the same dishes, general hygiene items.
The viral form of stomatitis is more dangerous, as it is transmitted not only by contact-household, but also by airborne droplets. It is especially easy to get infected with a vesicular form of pathology.
It is important to note that the contagiousness of the examined disease does not last long, about 8 days.