What actions should be taken to assess and manage stomatitis in patients according to the chapter?

To assess and manage stomatitis in patients, one should evaluate the lesions for onset, pain, and signs of infection. Maintaining strict oral hygiene, encouraging a bland diet, and using topical anesthetics can help manage symptoms and promote healing.

Assessment of stomatitis involves examining the lesions for their characteristics, such as onset, pain, odor, and discharge, while also inspecting the tongue, buccal mucosa, gums, and lips for any abnormalities. Management includes maintaining oral hygiene after meals with saline or dilute hydrogen peroxide rinses, avoiding irritants like alcohol and spicy foods, and providing a calming environment to reduce stress. Topical anesthetics may be applied to alleviate pain in the affected areas.