Gingivostomatitis is a viral or bacterial infection of the mouth and gums that leads to swelling and sores.

Gingivostomatitis is common, particularly among children. It may occur after infection with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which also causes cold sores. See: Herpetic stomatitis

The condition may also occur after infection with a coxsackie virus. See: herpangina

It may occur in people with poor oral hygiene.

• Bad breath
• Fever
• General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
• Sores on the inside of the cheeks or gums
• Very sore mouth with no desire to eat

An examination of the mouth shows small ulcers. These ulcers are similar to mouth ulcers caused by other conditions. Your health care provider may consider other conditions if there are signs of a cough, fever, or muscle aches.

Normally, no special tests are needed to diagnose gingivostomatitis. However, the doctor may take a small piece of tissue from the sore to check for a viral or bacterial infection. This is called a culture. A biopsy may occasionally be done to rule out other types of mouth ulcers.

The goal is to reduce symptoms. Practice good oral hygiene. Even if there is bleeding and it is painful, thorough but gentle brushing of the gums is important to reduce the chances of additional infection from normal mouth bacteria.

Antibiotics may be required. The dentist may need to clean infected tissue (a process called debridement).

Medicated mouth rinses may be recommended to reduce pain. Salt water (one-half teaspoon of salt in one cup of water) or over-the-counter mouthwashes like hydrogen peroxide or Xylocaine may be soothing.

The diet should be well balanced and nutritious. Soft, bland (non-spicy) foods may reduce discomfort during eating.

Gingivostomatitis infections range from mild and slightly uncomfortable to severe and painful. The sores generally resolve in 2 or 3 weeks with or without treatment. Treatment may reduce discomfort and speed healing.

Gingivostomatitis may disguise other, more serious mouth ulcers.

Call your health care provider if mouth sores are accompanied by fever or other signs of illness, or if mouth sores worsen or do not respond to treatment within 3 weeks.