Gingivostomatitis is the commonest clinical presentation of primary HSV-1 infection. Between 13% to 30% of children with primary herpes simplex viral infection present with gingivostomatitis [7]. However, cold sores or herpes labialis may present afterwards.

Symptoms of herpetic gingivostomatitis appear within 7 days of contact with an infected individual, beginning with a clinical prodrome of fever, anorexia, malaise, insomnia, headache, and irritability. The carrier of the virus is often asymptomatic. The prodromal phase lasts about four days. The presence of oropharyngeal lesions make the prodrome more likely suggestive of herpes gingivostomatitis rather than teething which is the usual suspect of most parents with such prodromal symptoms.

The lesions appear initially as erythematous and edematous gingivae laden with small vesicles which eventually rupture. After the rupture of the cluster of vesicles, they turn yellow with a surrounding red halo. The ruptured vesicles then fuse to form large, painful oral and perioral ulcers. These lesions primarily appear in the oral mucosa, gingiva, tongue, and pharynx. In about 30% of cases, the lesions also occur in the lips and perioral areas [7].

These lesions are often accompanied by halitosis, anorexia, fever, arthralgia, headache, odynophagia, and submandibular/cervical lymphadenopathy [7]. Odynophagia is usually expressed as refusal to drink which often leads to dehydration, the most frequent complication of herpetic gingivostomatitis.

Generally, symptoms may resolve spontaneously within a week, but some cases may take up to three weeks to achieve complete healing. After this infection has resolved, HSV moves to and remains latent in the trigeminal ganglion. Favorable conditions for reactivation such as cold, trauma, stress, immune compromise cause a reactivation and replication of the virus causing a recurrent stomatitis or herpes labialis.

• Malaise

  Prodromal symptoms, such as fever, anorexia, irritability, malaise and headache, may occur in advance of disease. [wikidoc.org]

  The infection usually manifests with an initial prodrome of low-grade fever, anorexia, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and irritability. [symptoma.com]

  Clinically, HSV-1 infections begin with prodromal symptoms of fever, loss of apetite, malaise and myalgia. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Systemic symptoms of fever, malaise, and cervical lymphadenopathy typically occur first, followed by the appearance of vesicles that progress to ulcers. The most common age of occurrence is 6 months to 6 years. [dentalcare.ca]

• Fatigue

  Sores, ulcers, or blisters in your mouth Irritated gums Sore throat Fever, headache, fatigue Nausea, vomiting, or swollen lymph glands How is GS diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. [drugs.com]

  Another symptom is fatigue. Together with a poor appetite, the patient finds it difficult to move around due to low energy levels. The sores in their mouth also make it difficult for them to brush their teeth on a regular basis. [docdoc.com.sg]

  If there is a systemic cause, like an infection, you may also have whole-body symptoms such as fever, pain, or fatigue. The symptoms of a blister may look like other skin conditions. Always see your health care provider for a diagnosis. [hopkinsmedicine.org]

  The most common symptoms include the following: Fever in the days leading up to an outbreak (and, in some cases, continuing through the outbreak) Swollen gums Bleeding gums Swollen lymph nodes Headache Fatigue Loss of appetite Sore throat Pain when swallowing [azdentist.com]

  Herpes simplex The viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause oral and genital lesions These painful blisters occur alone or in clusters and weep clear yellow fluid and then crust over Signs also include mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph [healthline.com]

• Candidiasis

  - 포함：칸디다증(candidosis) 모닐리아증(moniliasis) 제외：신생아 칸디다증(neonatal candidiasis)(P37.5) B37.0 칸디다성 구내염(Candidal stomatitis) 구강의 아구창(Oral thrush) B37.1 폐의 칸디다증 (Pulmonary candidiasis) B37.2 피부 및 손톱의 칸디다증(Candidiasis of skin and nail) 칸디다성 손발톱염(Candidal onychia [dic.impact.pe.kr]

  Oral candidiasis in HIV infections: paeudomembranous and erythematous candidiasis show similar rates of progression to AIDS. AIDS, 5: 1339-1343, 1991. 15-Gonzales S; Guajardo A; Celis A; Zemelman R; Smith CT. and Sagli FR. [scla.org.sy]

  Differential diagnosis Coxsackie virus infections (hand-foot and mouth disease, herpangina) Aphthous ulcers Oral candidiasis Stevens-Johnson syndrome. [pch.health.wa.gov.au]

  It is caused by Coxsackie A and B virus, and lesions or blisters are found bilaterally on the hands, feet and mouth of the patient.[16] Oral candidiasis: Also known as thrush, herpetic gingivostomatitis can often be differentiated from these microorganism [en.wikipedia.org]

• Infectious Mononucleosis

  Infectious mononucleosis: Unlike herpetic gingivostomatitis, infectious mononucleosis presents with fever and lymphadenopathy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  mononucleosis - Infectious Mononucleosis presents with a high fever and lymphadenopathy, which is may or may not be presented in the symptoms of herpetic gingivostomatitis. [en.wikipedia.org]

• Overeating

  The boy has been irritable, and over the past day, has refused to eat and drink. He appears dehydrated and is admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluid hydration. [accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com]

  Removal of the gold crowns resulted in a gradual resolution of the gingivostomatitis in 4-6 months, and the patient has remained free of clinical disease for over 3 years. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Follow the healthcare provider's instructions on using over-the-counter pain medicines such as acetaminophen for fever, fussiness, or pain. In infants older than 6 months, you may use children's ibuprofen. [mountnittany.org]

• Sore Mouth

  Case: A 46-year-old male patient came to RSGM FKG UI with a complaint of painful sore mouth, especially on the tongue since 5 days ago with previous history of fever. Patients feel pain around the head and while swallowing. [atlantis-press.com]

  When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if: You have mouth sores and fever or other signs of illness Mouth sores get worse or do not respond to treatment within 3 weeks [health.firstlighthealthsystem.org]

   It is usually seen between the ages of 6 months and 6 years  The onset of the disease is abrupt and is clinically characterized by HIGH FEVER, HEADACHE, MALAISE, ANOREXIA, IRRITABILITY, BILATERAL SENSATIVE REGIONAL LYMPHADENOPATHY, and SORE MOUTH [de.slideshare.net]

  When to Contact a Medical Professional 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. [dxline.info]

• Aphthous Stomatitis

  Abstract It is thus apparent from the results of various studies that the conditions called aphthous ulcer (canker sore), herpes labialis, aphthous stomatitis, herpetic stomatitis, or acute infections gingivostomatitis are infections caused by the herpes [ajodo.org]

  Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome—occurs in children. Uremic stomatitis—a rare form of stomatitis that occurs with renal failure. Pyostomatitis vegetans Bovine papular stomatitis [en.wikipedia.org]

  The major differentials are drug induced mucositis (history of exposure to offending drug), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (exposure to offending drug, target lesions), streptococcal infection, aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) and Diphtheria (involvement [indianpediatrics.net]

  stomatitis Herpes gingivostomatitis Herpes labialis Measles (Koplik's spots) Perioral dermatitis Oral thrush Steven Johnson syndrome Streptococcal pharyngitis Tongue diagnoses Vincent's angina Evaluation Clinical diagnosis, based on history and physical [wikem.org]

  화농성 구내염, 홍색 음선) recurrent aphthae (재발성 아프타) 작은 궤양, 특히 구강점막에 나타나는 적색, 회색의 소판 점을 말하며 아프타성 구내염을 특징으로 하고 있다. recurrent aphthous stomatitis (재발성 아프타성 구내염) 적색의 테두리로 둘러싸인 작은 희 끄무레한 궤양성 병변을 특징으로 하는 구강점막의 질환으로서 발병시에는 주로 가벼운 국 소적 외상성 손상, 알러지 상태, 내분비수반 상태[월경] 및 [dic.impact.pe.kr]

• Bleeding Gums

  Other symptoms may include: Sores and blisters in the throat, or on the tongue, gums, or lips Swollen, red, or bleeding gums Mouth pain that may make your child irritable and keep him from eating or drinking Drooling Bad breath Swollen glands on the sides [hhma.org]

  Symptoms of gingivostomatitis may include: tender sores on the gums or insides of cheeks (like canker sores, they are grayish or yellow on the outside and red in the center) bad breath fever swollen, bleeding gums swollen lymph nodes drooling, especially [healthline.com]

• Halitosis

  uneasiness, or ill feeling Very sore mouth with no desire to eat Halitosis (bad breath) Differential Diagnosis Gingivostomatitis symptoms in infants may wrongly be dismissed as teething. [wikidoc.org]

  These lesions are often accompanied by halitosis, anorexia, fever, arthralgia, headache, odynophagia, and submandibular/cervical lymphadenopathy. [symptoma.com]

  […] common symptoms include the following: Fever in the days leading up to an outbreak (and, in some cases, continuing through the outbreak) Swollen gums Bleeding gums Swollen lymph nodes Headache Fatigue Loss of appetite Sore throat Pain when swallowing Halitosis [azdentist.com]

  […] of the cheeks or gums Fever General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling Very sore mouth with no desire to eat Halitosis (bad breath) Causes[edit] Herpetic gingivostomatitis is an infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). [en.wikipedia.org]

• Gingival Ulceration

  Histopathologically, a dense and massive infiltration of mature plasma cells in the lamina propria is noted. [2] Gingival ulceration is rare. [2] Lesions may mimic that of acute leukemia and histologically imitate multiple myeloma and extramedullary plasmacytoma [dx.doi.org]

• Paresthesia

  In addition, chronic elemental mercury poisoning can manifest with gingivostomatitis, in addition to neurologic (tremor, paresthesias ) and psychiatric (forgetfulness, mood disturbances) symptoms. [wikidoc.org]

  Usatine, MD In recurrent herpes labialis, symptoms of tingling, pain, paresthesias, itching, and burning precede the lesions in 60 percent of persons. 5 The lesions then appear as clusters of vesicles on the lip or vermilion border ( Figure 1 ). [aafp.org]

  […] fever, malaise, myalgias [2] ) Initial itching and pain, followed by more troublesome signs and symptoms Lesions that evolve from vesicles to pustules to wet ulcers and heal by crusting Painful inguinal lymphadenopathy, dysuria, and vaginal discharge Paresthesias [emedicine.medscape.com]

The diagnosis of gingivostomatitis is largely clinical and is based on physical findings of the characteristic lesions. Laboratory investigations are often not necessary, however, they are indicated in cases where the infection is severe, lesions are not characteristics of HSV, or if the patient is pregnant or immune compromised.

A Tzanck test, which involves staining a superficial scraping taken from the base of a newly erupted vesicle , reveals multinucleated giant cells indicative of HSV or VZV infection. A Tzanck test is done with Wright-giemsa stain. A definitive diagnosis is made with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, serological detection of the antigen, seroconversion of the appropriate serotype, and culture [8] [9]. Culture of the discharge or smear from the base of a newly ruptured lesion is obtained.

Direct immunofluorescence assay of the oral and gingival smears or scrapings may also assist in the diagnosis of HSV gingivostomatitis.

In cases where the infection recurs frequently, doesn't respond to appropriate antiviral agents, or is recalcitrant to all forms of treatment, immunosuppression should be suspected and the underlying immune disease should be determined and co-managed.

Although, Gingivostomatitis is largely self-limited, antiviral medications may be necessary to expedite resolution of symptoms and reduce the severity of the infection [10]. Oral acyclovir is the antiviral drug of choice for herpetic gingivostomatitis, however an appropriate dosing of the drug is unclear [10].

Supportive care is often employed along with antiviral therapy and is aimed at alleviating the symptoms and preventing the complications of the infection. An example of supportive care for herpectic gingivostimatitis is application of a lip barrier cream to prevent adhesion of the lips by fusion of adjacent ulcerated lesions.

Analgesics and antipyretics are also necessry in the management of gingivostmatitis. NSAIDs are indicated to relieve the pain and swelling associated with the lesions. Local anaesthetic solutions or mouthwashes containing xylocaine may be necessary for pain control in severe cases.

In cases of superimposed bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary and should only be prescribed when such is confirmed.

Gingivostomatitis may cause significant morbidity with severe pain and discomfort. However, it is generally self-limited, resolving within two to three weeks. Treatment with antiviral medications, antibiotics, and home remedies may expedite resolution of symptoms.

Gingivostomatitis is most commonly caused by HSV-1 and less commonly by certain bacteria species including streptococcus and actinomyces. Coxsackie virus is a less common viral cause of gingivostomatitis, which is transmitted via contact with objects contaminated with human feces. Poor oral hygiene is a key risk factor for gingivostomatis.

Gingivostomatitis constitutes about 1% of consultations in general practice. Although, prevalence of HSV-1 seropositivity varies with ethnicity, it may be observed in up to 85% of individuals in early adulthood. Between 20% to 40% of these seropositive individuals may have recurrent cold sores with a frequency ranging from 2 to 6 times every year.

An Amsterdam study noted that besides its variance with ethnicity, HSV-1 seropositivity was more prevalent among older patients and those of low socioeconomic status [3].

HSV-1 infection occurs worldwide, with humans are the only host of the organism. Transmission is therefore, by human-to-human contact with no intermediate host or vector involved.

HSV-1 as well as HSV-2 are members of the herpesviridae family and alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. It has a number of characteristic properties including [4]: an ability to invade and multiply in the nervous system, ability to become latent in the neuronal ganglia proximal to the primary site of infection, and an ability to become reactivated in the presence favorable conditions.

In HSV infections primarily involving the orofacial region, the trigeminal ganglia is the commonest site of latency of the virus, while latency occurs in the sacral nerve root ganglia (S2 - S5) in genital herpes infection.

Reactivation of latent HSV with subsequent replication is often triggered by fever, trauma, menstruation, cold, psychological stress, and sunlight. Reactivation of the virus causes either an overt or an asymptomatic recurrent infection. However, reactivation is commoner and produces more significant morbidity in immunocompromised patients [5]. Furthermore, in these patients, systemic spread of the infection is more likely. The tendency of HSV-1 infections to establish latency, regular reactivation, and viral shedding in asymptomatic patients is responsible for its endemicity [6].

HSV-1 is transmitted by contact with infected persons and the infection arises after the virus is introduced through breaks in the skin or into certain susceptible mucosal membranes including the mucosa of the cervix, conjunctiva, and oropharynx. Room temperature and drying are potent cause of inactivation of the virus, therefore, making transmission via formites and air almost impossible.

Good oral hygiene may reduce the risk of occurrence and recurrence of gingivostomatitis. Proper oral hygiene involves daily flossing, dental check-ups once every six months, toothbrushing twice daily, and ensuring mouth pieces such as dentures, or mouth instruments are kept clean before use.

To prevent transmission of the virus, one is advised to avoid touching or kissing the face of an individual infected with the virus. Also make-up tools and sharp objects belonging to an infected person should not be shared.

Proper hand washing is also critical in preventing herpes simplex gingivostomatitis. Hand washing is particularly necessary before and after eating and preparing meals, after changing the babies' diapers, and after using the toilet.

Gingivostomatitis which is also known as primary herpetic gingivostomatitis and orolabial herpes is the commonest presentation of primary HSV-1 infection in childhood. It presents with ulcerative lesions in the lips, gingivae, and oral mucosa.

Gingivostomatitis precedes herpetic labialis, which is commonly called cold sores, both of which are manifestations of primary HSV-1 infection. It is however more severe than cold sores. Primary hepetic gingivostomatitis is the commonest viral oral infection. The infection mainly affects children.

The infection usually manifests with an initial prodrome of low-grade fever, anorexia, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and irritability. These symptoms precede the appearance of erythematous and edematous gingivae laden with clusters of erythematous lesions which eventually rupture forming ulcerated lesions with yellow or gray base surrounded by red haloes. Other associated symptoms of gingivastomatitis include halitosis, painful swallowing with refusal to drink in children, and submandibular lymphadenopathy [1] [2]. The symptoms usally resolve within approximately three weeks, however, they may persist in those who are immuncompromised.

A notable biological property of the HSV-1 virus is its ability to become latent in the proximal nerve ganglion for many years and become reactivated by certain factors such as trauma, fever, cold, stress, and menstrution, and immunosuppressive states.

Diagnosis of gingivostomatitis is often based on clinical grounds with physical examination of the characteristic oral lesions. However, in immunosupressed patients or pregnant women, and those who present with atypical lesions, further investigations including serology, scrapings of the oral lesions for microscopic analysis and culture, and polymerase chain reaction tests may be necessary.

Treatment of gingivostomatitis is often not necessary because the condition is self-limited, however, treatment with antiviral medications may be necessary especially in immunocompromised patients. However, supportive treatment including analgesics and antipyretics are generally indicated for symptomatic relief.

Maintaining a good oral hygiene is a key factor in reducing the risk of the infection.

Gingivostomatitis is a viral infection of the gums and the inner lining of the mouth. It is a very common infection and it is caused by a virus called human simplex virus type 1(HSV-1). It may occasionally be caused by a bacterial agent. Poor oral hygiene is a common risk factor for this infection.

Causes

Gingivostomatitis is most commonly caused by HSV-1 and occasionally by other agents including coxsackie virus, and bacteria. The coxsackie virus is spread by contact with objects contaminated with human feces.

HSV-1 has a tendency to stay latent inside nerve cells for many years without causing any symptoms before being reactivated to cause symptoms. Factors which trigger this reactivation of the virus includes fever, cold, trauma, sunlight, menstration and stress.

HSV-1 is the organism responsible for cold sores or fever blisters. Gingivostomatitis is most commonly seen in children.

Sign & Symptoms

This infection begins with a spectrum of symptoms including bad breath, fever, malaise, excessive crying, headache, loss of apetite, swollen and bleeding gums, difficult and painful swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and drooling in children. These symptoms precede the appearance of ulcers and rashes in the gum and inner part of the mouth, these rashes are red and eventually turn yellow with red haloes surrounding them when they burst. When these rashes Burt, they form ulcers or craters which may fuse to form larger ones.

These symptoms usually appear within a week of contact with an infected person and they usually disappear within three weeks of onset. However, the symptoms may persist and even become resistant to treatment in patients with weakened immune systems.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of gingivostomatitis can be made by the doctor after physical examination of the rashes and ulcers and noting the appearance of the gum. Further laboratory testing are not needed unless the patient is pregnant, the infecton is severe, the rashes do not look similar to what should be, or the patient has a weakened immunity.

Additional tests may include blood tests to check for the virus or antibodies to the virus, culture of the scrapings form the mouth lesions, or staining and microscopic viewing of the scrapings from the ulcers and rashes.

Treatment

Although, gingivostomatitis usually resolve spontaneously within two to three weeks, medications may be necessary to alleviate the symptoms, prevent complications, and expedite recovery. Generally, an antiviral drug is prescribed, together with drugs which reduce the pain and fever. A mouthwash containing xylocaine, a local anesthetic, is also recommended to reduce the pain of the rashes and ulcers. Mouthwashes are available over-the-counter. Saltwater gargle is also recommended. The is done by adding half teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water.

To prevent feeding difficulties, spicy, salty, and sour foods should be avoided as these may worsen the pain. Soft foods are also recommended to prevent trauma to the sores and persistence of symptoms.

Good oral hygiene is critical in preventing gingivostomatitis: Daily flossing, brushing of the teeth twice daily, and routine dental checks constitute good oral hygiene. Kissing an infected person or touching the sores with bare hands increase one's risk of gingivostomatitis.

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7. Amir J. Clinical aspects and antiviral therapy in primary herpetic gingivostomatitis. Paediatr Drugs. 2001; 3:593.
8. Serna-Ojeda JC, Ramirez-Miranda A, Navas A, et al. Herpes Simplex Virus Disease of the Anterior Segment in Children. Cornea. 2015 Aug 11.
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10. Arduino P G, Porter S R. Oral and perioral herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection: review of its management. Oral Dis. 2006; 12: 254-257.