Gingivostomatitis In Toddlers – Causes And Symptoms You Should Be Aware Of

Gingivostomatitis does sound like a mouthful, and it’s perhaps ironic that it affects the mouth. All levity aside, does your little one suffer intense gum and mouth pain? Does his condition give you sleepless nights? Don’t worry! We are here to help you sleep better at night. Read our post and find out all about Gingivostomatitis and how it affects your little munchkin.

What Is Gingivostomatitis?

Gingivostomatitis (GM) is a common mouth and gum infection, which occurs in small children. As toddlers do not take care of their teeth, they are more prone to contracting the condition. Improper brushing habits leaves some the germs behind, and these germs lead to swollen and painful gums. The presence of harmful viruses and bacteria elevates the condition.

Symptoms Of Gingivostomatitis In Toddlers:

The primary symptoms of the Gingivostomatitis include swollen gums and lesions in the mouth. Other symptoms include:

• Bleeding gums

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Tender sores on the gums or insides of cheeks similar to canker sores

• Bad breath

• Drooling

• Difficulty eating or drinking due to painful gum or mouth infections

• Gum inflammation

[ Read: Causes Of Bad Breath In Toddlers ]

What Causes Gingivitis In Toddlers?

Typically, bacteria and virus in the mouth lead to Gingivostomatitis. Some other specific causes include:

• The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), initiates cold sores in the mouth.

• Some of the viruses enter the mouth region through simple contact with a person’s body. The Coxsackie virus can also lead to Gingivostomatitis (GM) in toddlers.

[ Read: Tooth Discoloration In Toddlers ]

Diagnosing Gingivostomatitis In Toddlers:

Your pediatrician will simply examine your little one’s mouth for sores, which are clear indicators of Gingivostomatitis. If he suffers from other health conditions like cough, high fever or muscle pain, your doctor may prescribe additional blood tests.

How To Treat Gingivitis In Toddlers?

Here we look at some tips for gingivostomatitis treatment in toddlers.

1. Following proper hygiene habits can eradicate the disease effectively. If your little one suffers from painful gum conditions and other symptoms, your doctor may give him antibiotics and advice on how to keep the infected mouth region clean and germ-free.

2. You can rinse his mouth using a medicated mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide or xylocaine. These mouthwashes are readily available in the local drugstore and dentists often prescribe them to Gingivostomatitis.

3. Make him eat a healthy diet, which contains less spice and less oil. Spices and oil can cause irritation in the mouth, and your little one may not be able to eat his food comfortably if it is spicy and oily.

[ Read: Symptoms Of Strep Throat In Toddlers ]

Preventing Gingivostomatitis In Toddlers:

Let’s look at some basic prevention tips for Gingivostomatitis.

1. Toddlers who take proper dental care are less prone to suffer from Gingivostomatitis. Brushing the teeth for at least once or twice a day can be effective.

2. Another hygienic oral habit is flossing. The process of flossing removes the food particles stuck between the teeth joints and maintains a healthy oral system for toddlers.

3. It is always advisable to take him to a professional dentist, once in every six months. The dentist would check the conditions of the teeth and perform dental care activities, to enhance his dental condition.

4. Get your toddler to wash his mouth after using instruments like the flute or mouth organ. Germs always enter the mouth through such external objects.

[ Read: Excessive Drooling In Toddler ]

Ensure that you get your little tyke to maintain proper dental hygiene. With regular dental care, you can keep him miles away from dental conditions like Gingivostomatitis (GM).

Did your toddler suffer from Gingivostomatitis (GM)? What symptoms did he experience? Share your story below. Fellow moms would love to hear from you.

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