About this topic
Gingivostomatitis is a viral infection of the mouth and gums that leads to swelling and sores. Your child may have swelling of the gums and mouth. It may also involve the throat or lips. Where the sores are and how bad they are depend on what kind of virus is causing the infection. ‚
This condition may be treated with good care of your childs teeth and mouth. Your child's doctor or dentist may suggest treatments to help with this condition. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask the doctor or dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor or dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
- Brush and floss your childs teeth well at least 2 times each day, and especially before bed. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Change your child's toothbrush regularly and especially after the condition has resolved.
- Practice the proper way to brush the teeth.
- Your child may be given a special mouthwash to ease the pain from the sores inside your child's mouth. Follow the directions on how to use this carefully.
What follow-up care is needed?
- The doctor or dentist will most likely recommend a follow up visit 2 to 3 weeks after seeing your child to make sure the condition has resolved. During the follow-up visit, your childs dentist may tell you if more care is needed
- Take your child to the dentist 1 or 2 times each year to get your child's teeth checked and cleaned. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your child may get sores or blisters from time to time throughout his lifetime since they have been exposed to this virus.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor or dentist may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Ease pain
Will physical activity be limited?
Your childs activity should not be limited. Your child may be more tired than usual. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Avoid foods that may bother your childs mouth or gums. Foods that are high in acid, sugar, or salt may cause pain when your child eats. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Have your child avoid sharing drinks and food with other people.
- Have your child wash their hands often.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Gums or mouth become tender
- Bleeding easily when brushing or flossing
- Sores become larger or more painful
- If your child becomes dehydrated
- If your childs pain or fever is unmanageable
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you how I will take care of my child's mouth.
- I can tell you when my child can go back to a normal diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has too much mouth pain, the sores become larger, or my child becomes dehydrated.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/dictionary/g/az-gingivostomatitis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚