Cinnamon-Induced Contact Stomatitis: A Retrospective Study of 74 Cases and Literature Review

Cinnamon-induced contact stomatitis (CCS) is a hypersensitivity reaction associated with cinnamon-containing products (CCPs). We performed a retrospective study of 74 cases of CCS induced by chewing gums or candies and reviewed the literature.

This is a retrospective study of CCS cases, diagnosed during 2010-2025, characterised by temporal association of lesions with the consumption of cinnamon-containing chewing gums or candies; lesion's resolution after discontinuation of those CCPs; and absence of recurrence as long as those CCPs were not re-used. The literature was reviewed for similar CCS cases, documented by relevant history and at least one clinical/histopathological image.

Seventy-four patients were diagnosed with CCS that mainly involved the buccal mucosa (67/74) and/or lateral tongue (50/74). White lichenoid or plaque-type lesions were observed in seven patients, erythematous/erosive/ulcerative lesions in 26 patients, and combined whitish-red lesions in 41 patients. Discontinuation of CCPs resulted in complete resolution within a week in all cases. The literature review yielded 40 well-documented cases of CCS related to chewing gums, candies, or mints.

The presence of erythematous and/or white lesions at the occlusal plane should raise suspicion of CCS that can be diagnosed based on the patient's history and clinical presentation.