Gingivostomatitis

What is gingivostomatitis?

Gingivostomatitis is a painful infection that can cause blisters on your lips and canker sores in your mouth. Certain viruses and bacteria cause it, and poor oral hygiene can make it worse. Gingivostomatitis is most common in young children, but anyone can get it. Gingivostomatitis isn’t the same as gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

Gingivostomatitis usually doesn’t cause serious health issues, especially when you get prompt treatment. But it can be very painful. It’s also contagious. You can pass it to another person through things like kissing or sharing eating utensils.

How common is gingivostomatitis?

Gingivostomatitis is quite common, partly because the condition can come back (recur) repeatedly in the form of flare-ups. Once initially infected, approximately 40% of children will develop recurring mouth sores.

What are the symptoms of gingivostomatitis?

Gingivostomatitis symptoms can vary, and they may be mild or severe, including:

• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Dry mouth (xerostomia).
• Fever.
• Headaches.
• Loss of appetite due to mouth pain.
• Painful sores on your lips, gums, tongue or inner cheeks.
• Red, tender or swollen gums.
• Swollen lymph nodes in your neck.

The above symptoms can affect both children and adults.

What causes gingivostomatitis?

Gingivostomatitis can develop due to certain viruses or bacteria, including:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The most common cause of gingivostomatitis, HSV-1 is the same virus that causes cold sores. When HSV-1 causes gingivostomatitis, providers call it “herpes simplex gingivostomatitis” or “herpetic gingivostomatitis.” (Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis refers to the first time you encountered the virus. Secondary herpetic gingivostomatitis refers to each flare-up, or reactivation, of the virus.)
• Streptococcus. This bacteria commonly causes strep throat or blood infections, but it can also result in gingivostomatitis.
• Actinomyces. This bacteria naturally occurs in your mouth, but it can lead to gingivostomatitis if it enters your bloodstream. This can be a side effect of dental trauma or oral surgery.
• Coxsackieviruses. Coxsackieviruses are viruses that usually spread through unwashed hands or other surfaces contaminated with feces (poop). Coxsackieviruses also commonly cause hand, foot and mouth disease.

Gingivostomatitis risk factors

Poor oral hygiene, like not brushing or flossing enough, is the main risk factor for gingivostomatitis.

If you have herpetic gingivostomatitis, you’re more likely to experience flare-ups when exposed to:

• Fever.
• Trauma.
• Stress.
• UV light.

How is gingivostomatitis diagnosed?

Healthcare providers can usually diagnose gingivostomatitis during a physical examination. Your provider will also ask about symptoms.

They may also recommend a swab culture or biopsy of the affected area to confirm which type of bacteria or virus caused the infection. They’ll send the sample to a pathologist for testing.

How is gingivostomatitis treated?

Gingivostomatitis treatment may include antibiotics or antivirals to get rid of the infection and ease your symptoms. In some cases, your healthcare provider will need to clean the affected areas.

To further ease gingivostomatitis symptoms:

• Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol^®) or ibuprofen (Advil^®).
• Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day.
• Gently swish with warm salt water a few times daily to soothe your mouth.
• Avoid eating hot, spicy or salty foods.
• Brush twice a day and floss once a day.

Can gingivostomatitis be prevented?

To reduce your risk for gingivostomatitis:

• Practice good oral hygiene.
• Routinely clean any oral appliances like dentures or retainers.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

What’s the outlook for gingivostomatitis?

It depends on the severity. Some people have mild discomfort; others have severe pain. Most gingivostomatitis-related mouth sores heal in about two to three weeks.

After mouth sores appear, you’ll be contagious with gingivostomatitis for about seven days. You should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before having close contact with anyone else.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Any time you develop mouth sores along with a fever, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider. If your symptoms worsen or don’t respond to treatment within three weeks, you should ask your provider about next steps.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

If you have gingivostomatitis, here are some questions you might want to ask your healthcare provider:

• Why did I get gingivostomatitis?
• What kind of treatment do I need?
• What precautions should I take?
• How can I reduce my risk for flare-ups?

Is gingivostomatitis an STI?

No, it’s not a sexually transmitted infection. But HSV-1 can cause it. HSV-1 commonly causes oral herpes, but it can cause genital herpes in some cases.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Gingivostomatitis can cause frustrating and embarrassing symptoms. It’s painful, and it makes routine tasks like eating and speaking uncomfortable. The good news is that gingivostomatitis is treatable. If you develop symptoms, don’t wait. Call your healthcare provider right away. They can find ways to ease symptoms and help you feel better faster.