Find a Provider
From well-child visits to specialized treatment of complex illnesses and injuries, we offer comprehensive care from an exceptional team of doctors, nurses and allied professionals.
- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Gingivostomatitis, Herpetic
May also be called: Herpes Gingivostomatitis or Herpetic Stomatitis
Herpetic gingivostomatitis (her-PEH-tik jin-jih-vo-sto-muh-TY-tiss) is a contagious mouth infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1). It most often occurs in young children and is usually the first exposure a child has to the herpes virus (which is also responsible for cold sores and fever blisters).
More to Know
Someone with herpetic gingivostomatitis may have blisters on the tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, and roof of the mouth. After the blisters pop, ulcers will form. Other symptoms include high fever (before blisters appear), difficulty swallowing, drooling, pain, and swelling. Also, because the sores make it difficult to eat and drink, dehydration can occur.
Herpetic gingivostomatitis usually clears up on its own within 2 weeks. Medicines may be prescribed to speed up the recovery and fight the herpes virus or to numb the mouth. Pain relievers and a diet of mostly cold nonacidic drinks also might be recommended. Once a person is carrying the herpes simplex virus, repeated cold sore outbreaks may occur when the immune system is weakened.
Keep in Mind
Because herpetic gingivostomatitis can spread easily, the best prevention is avoiding close contact with infected people. Children shouldn't kiss or share food, drinks, or utensils with an infected person. Because babies and toddlers like to put everything in their mouth, sharing toys with infected kids should be avoided, too.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.