Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis
Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis is an extensive oropharyngeal vesicular eruption that occur when first infected with the herpes simplex virus. It is most common in young adults and children ususally under the age of 10. This gingival disease causes significant mouth discomfort, headaches, fever, difficulty eating and drinking, and lymphadenopathy with symptoms that can last for up to two weeks. Some children can experience dehydration that can lead to hospitalization.
The majority of these primary herpetic outbreaks are asymptomatic and can go unrecognized. Some mild cases can be confused with teething in young children. Clinically this disease manifests as fiery red marginal gingival with swollen interdental papillae that bleeds easily. Yellowish ulcers appear that are surrounded by a red halo and can be on the gingiva, buccal/labial mucosa, palate, tongue, and lips.
There are eight known pathogens in the herpes simplex virus family. Examples are cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr, varicella zoster, and HSV 6, 7, 8. The herpes simplex virus spreads easily among young children through saliva (spit), shared toys, drink cups, or eating utensils.
Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis represents the most commonly observed clinical manifestation of primary herpes simplex virus,
occurring in 25–30% of affected children. Approximately 90% of cases are caused by HSV-1, although detection of HSV-2 has also been reported. In a study of 4000 children seropositive for HSV-1, only 12% had evident signs and symptoms of infection.
AAP classifies this gingival disease as Type 1 B (gingival disease with non-plaque induced gingival lesions).
For those experiencing sypmtoms of this condition should seek a dental professional. Pain medications like Ibuprofen and Acetametaphen can be taken without a doctor's order to help relieve the child's pain. Make sure to follow the age and dosage recommendations. Make sure to practice cleanliness with your children at all times (handwashing and anti-bacterial products).
Treatment of this gingival disease can be treated with a prescription anti-viral (Valcyclovir or Acyclovir) medication. Pain medication as noted above can be used to ease discomfort. Topical products can also be placed to cover the sores/ulcers to reduce pain so that a child can eat or drink to avoid dehydration.
Some ways to manage this condition:
- Clean your child's teeth and tongue
- Offer cool, bland foods and drinks when condition is active
- Avoid spreading the virus to others
Journal Article:
Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis, Blevins JY; Pediatric Nursing, 2003 May-Jun; 29 (3): 199-202
Foundations of Periodontics for the Dental Hygienist, Nield-Gehrig J. & Willmann D.
http://www.drugs.com/cg/primary-herpetic-gingivostomatitis-in-children.html
The majority of these primary herpetic outbreaks are asymptomatic and can go unrecognized. Some mild cases can be confused with teething in young children. Clinically this disease manifests as fiery red marginal gingival with swollen interdental papillae that bleeds easily. Yellowish ulcers appear that are surrounded by a red halo and can be on the gingiva, buccal/labial mucosa, palate, tongue, and lips.
There are eight known pathogens in the herpes simplex virus family. Examples are cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr, varicella zoster, and HSV 6, 7, 8. The herpes simplex virus spreads easily among young children through saliva (spit), shared toys, drink cups, or eating utensils.
Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis represents the most commonly observed clinical manifestation of primary herpes simplex virus,
occurring in 25–30% of affected children. Approximately 90% of cases are caused by HSV-1, although detection of HSV-2 has also been reported. In a study of 4000 children seropositive for HSV-1, only 12% had evident signs and symptoms of infection.
AAP classifies this gingival disease as Type 1 B (gingival disease with non-plaque induced gingival lesions).
For those experiencing sypmtoms of this condition should seek a dental professional. Pain medications like Ibuprofen and Acetametaphen can be taken without a doctor's order to help relieve the child's pain. Make sure to follow the age and dosage recommendations. Make sure to practice cleanliness with your children at all times (handwashing and anti-bacterial products).
Treatment of this gingival disease can be treated with a prescription anti-viral (Valcyclovir or Acyclovir) medication. Pain medication as noted above can be used to ease discomfort. Topical products can also be placed to cover the sores/ulcers to reduce pain so that a child can eat or drink to avoid dehydration.
Some ways to manage this condition:
- Clean your child's teeth and tongue
- Offer cool, bland foods and drinks when condition is active
- Avoid spreading the virus to others
Journal Article:
Primary Herpetic Gingivostomatitis, Blevins JY; Pediatric Nursing, 2003 May-Jun; 29 (3): 199-202
Foundations of Periodontics for the Dental Hygienist, Nield-Gehrig J. & Willmann D.
http://www.drugs.com/cg/primary-herpetic-gingivostomatitis-in-children.html