Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis is a common infection that mainly affects young children, causing painful sores in the mouth and swollen gums. In this article, our Brisbane paediatric dentist will help you understand what Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis is, who is at risk, and how it spreads. The article will also cover the symptoms to watch for, treatment options available, and some practical tips for home care.

What Is Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis?

Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is a mouth infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), the same virus responsible for cold sores. It mainly affects children aged six months to five years, but it can also appear in older individuals. The condition can lead to painful sores inside the mouth and swollen gums. While HSV-1 is common and usually harmless in adults, it can cause significant discomfort in children, making eating and drinking difficult.

Who Is at Risk?

Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis mostly affects children under six, causing painful mouth sores and swollen gums. But adults can get it too, especially if they’ve never been exposed to the virus. People with weak immune systems are also more likely to get this infection. The virus spreads easily through close contact, like sharing utensils or kissing. Young kids, who often put toys or other objects in their mouths, are particularly at risk.

Signs and Symptoms

Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis often begins with:

• Fever: A sudden high temperature, sometimes reaching 40°C.
• Malaise: Feeling unwell and irritable.
• Headache: General discomfort in the head.

These initial symptoms are followed by:

• Painful mouth sores: Small blisters appear on the tongue, cheeks, gums, and roof of the mouth. These blisters break open, forming ulcers that make eating and drinking uncomfortable.
• Swollen, red gums: Gums become tender, bleed easily, and may appear bright red.
• Difficulty swallowing: Due to mouth pain and swelling.
• Bad breath: An unpleasant mouth odour.
• Swollen neck glands: Lymph nodes in the neck may enlarge and become tender.

In children, these symptoms can lead to:

• Drooling: Excess saliva due to mouth discomfort.
• Loss of appetite: Reluctance to eat or drink because of pain.

How Does It Spread?

Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis spreads through direct contact with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This often happens when someone touches a sore or saliva from an infected person. Common ways the virus spreads include:

• Kissing: Sharing kisses can pass the virus, especially if one person has an active sore.
• Sharing items: Using the same utensils, cups, or toothbrushes as someone infected can transmit the virus.
• Close contact: Activities like wrestling or playing contact sports can spread the virus through skin-to-skin contact.

The virus may enter the body through small cuts or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Once inside, it can stay inactive and reactivate later, causing symptoms.

Diagnosis

Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is usually diagnosed by observing the symptoms and examining the mouth. Our kids’ dentist looks for signs like painful sores, swollen gums, and fever. In most cases, this visual check is enough to identify the infection. Sometimes, especially if the diagnosis isn’t clear or if the person has a weakened immune system, dentists may take a swab from a sore to test for the virus. This helps confirm the presence of the herpes simplex virus. Early diagnosis is important to manage symptoms and prevent spreading the virus to others.

Treatment Options for Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis

Managing primary herpetic gingivostomatitis focuses on easing discomfort and speeding up recovery. Treatment options include:

• Antiviral medications: Drugs like aciclovir can help reduce the severity and duration of the infection, especially when started within 72 hours of symptom onset.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can alleviate pain and reduce fever.
• Topical anaesthetics: Mouth rinses or gels containing lidocaine can numb the sores, making it easier to eat and drink.
• Hydration: Encouraging plenty of fluids is crucial, as mouth pain can lead to reduced intake and dehydration.
• Soft diet: Offering soft, cool foods can minimise irritation to the sores.

Home Care Tips

Caring for someone with primary herpetic gingivostomatitis involves easing discomfort and ensuring proper hydration. Here are some practical tips:

• Encourage fluid intake: Offer cool, non-acidic drinks like water or milk to soothe the mouth and prevent dehydration.
• Provide soft, bland foods: Foods such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt, or applesauce are gentle on mouth sores and easier to swallow.
• Maintain oral hygiene: Gently brush teeth to keep the mouth clean, which aids healing.
• Use pain relief methods: Over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol can help manage discomfort.
• Avoid irritants: Steer clear of acidic or spicy foods and drinks that can aggravate sores.
• Prevent the spreading of the virus: Encourage regular handwashing and avoid sharing utensils, towels, or toys to reduce transmission.

Possible Complications

Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis, often seen in children, usually resolves on its own. However, certain complications can arise:

• Dehydration: Painful mouth sores may make eating and drinking difficult, leading to dehydration. Ensuring adequate fluid intake is crucial.
• Secondary bacterial infections: Open sores can become infected with bacteria, causing additional pain and swelling. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent this.
• Spread of infection: In rare cases, the virus can spread to other areas, such as the eyes, leading to conditions like herpetic keratitis, which can affect vision.

While these complications are uncommon, being aware of them ensures prompt action if they occur. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or new issues arise.

Preventing the Spread

Stopping the spread of primary herpetic gingivostomatitis requires mindful habits and simple precautions. This virus spreads easily through close contact, but with care, you can help protect others.

How Does It Spread?

• Direct Contact: HSV-1 spreads through direct contact with infected saliva or sores. This can happen when sharing utensils, cups, or toothbrushes with someone who has the virus. Kissing someone with an active cold sore can also transmit the virus.
• Indirect Contact: The virus can survive on surfaces for a short time. Touching contaminated objects, like toys or towels, and then touching your mouth can lead to infection.
• Asymptomatic Shedding: Even without visible sores, an infected person can shed the virus in their saliva, unknowingly spreading it to others.

Preventing the Spread

• Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water helps remove the virus from your hands.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share items that come into contact with saliva, such as utensils, cups, or toothbrushes.
• Limit Close Contact During Outbreaks: Avoid kissing or close contact with someone who has active sores.
• Disinfect Common Surfaces: Regularly clean objects and surfaces that are frequently touched, especially in households with an infected person.

When to Seek Medical Help

Sometimes, primary herpetic gingivostomatitis can be more than just an uncomfortable mouth infection. It’s important to know when you or your child should see a doctor or a dentist. Seek medical help if:

• Dehydration sets in: If your child refuses to drink or eat because of mouth pain or shows signs of dehydration like dry lips, less urination, or tiredness, it’s time to call a doctor.
• Symptoms worsen: If the sores spread, the pain increases, or new symptoms like high fever (above 38.5°C) or swelling appear, don’t wait.
• Difficulty swallowing: If swallowing becomes painful or hard, it could lead to more serious complications and should be checked by a healthcare provider.
• Eye irritation develops: If the virus spreads to the eyes, it can cause redness, watering, or sensitivity to light. This needs immediate medical attention to prevent further problems.
• The infection doesn’t improve: If symptoms persist for more than 10 days or seem to get worse, it’s a sign professional care may be needed.

Gentle Solutions for Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis

Get expert care and compassionate treatment for mouth infections like Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis. To create a stress-free environment, our clinic provides sleep dentistry, IV sedation, and laughing gas for maximum patient comfort during procedures. Brisbane Dental Sleep Clinic maintains that sleep dentistry Brisbane ensures a comfortable and stress-less dental visit for everyone.

We provide a comprehensive range of dental solutions, from gentle root canal treatments and precise dental implants to specialised paediatric care and swift emergency services. When unexpected dental pain strikes, trust our emergency dentist Brisbane to provide fast relief and compassionate care.

We also provide payment options through Humm and Supercare. Call us today at 07 3343 4869 to book a consultation.