Etiological Factors of Inflammatory Diseases of the Oral Mucosa in Children

Abstract

Inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa in children remain a common clinical problem in pediatric dentistry and are characterized by diverse etiological factors and variable clinical manifestations. The immaturity of oral tissues and the close relationship between oral and systemic health increase children’s susceptibility to inflammatory lesions. This study aimed to analyze and systematize the etiological factors associated with inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa in children, with particular attention to the interaction between local and systemic contributors. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving pediatric patients aged 1–15 years presenting with inflammatory oral mucosal lesions. Clinical examination, etiological assessment, and supplementary diagnostic methods were applied. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to determine associations between etiological factors and disease course, expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Local etiological factors, particularly mechanical trauma and poor oral hygiene, were identified in the majority of cases, while systemic conditions significantly increased the risk of chronic and recurrent disease forms (OR > 2.0; p < 0.05). Infectious factors were more frequently associated with acute presentations, especially in younger age groups. Multivariate analysis confirmed poor oral hygiene, systemic disease presence, and infectious etiology as independent predictors of disease severity. Inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa in children are predominantly multifactorial. Effective management requires an integrated diagnostic and preventive approach that addresses both local and systemic risk factors to reduce disease severity and recurrence.