How is gingivostomatitis treated?

Because this is a viral infection, antibiotics won't help. The sores in your baby's mouth should be gone in a week or two. Here are a few things you can do to make her more comfortable and keep her otherwise healthy while she has it:

  • Infants' acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and lower fever. (If your baby is younger than 3 months old, ask her doctor before giving her any painkillers. And never give aspirin to anyone under the age of 20. It can trigger a rare but dangerous illness called Reye's syndrome.) If the pain is so severe that your baby won't eat even with the help of these over-the-counter pain medications, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medicine.
  • Though she may not want to drink because swallowing is painful, it's extremely important that your baby get enough fluids. Make sure she gets plenty of breast milk or formula. If your baby is at least 4 months old, you can also try offering her cool, nonacidic, noncarbonated drinks such as water or diluted apple juice. Dehydration can sneak up rapidly in babies and young children — this is the main complication you need to be aware of if your baby has gingivostomatitis. Call your doctor if your child goes for more than six hours without urinating or taking in liquid, or if she shows any signs of dehydration.
  • If your baby's eating solids, the usual ones are good: strained baby food, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and other soft, bland foods that don't require chewing. But don't force your baby to eat solids if her mouth hurts.

Can gingivostomatitis be prevented?

Because so many adults and children carry the herpes virus, and because they can pass it (and the coxsackie virus) on even if they have no symptoms, there's no practical way to prevent gingivostomatitis. You can, however, try to keep people who have an active herpes infection or any other mouth sores from kissing, sharing food, or playing in close contact with your baby. (That includes you, if you happen to have an outbreak.)

If your baby's sores are caused by the herpes virus, the virus will stay in her body for life. The good news is that the first episode of gingivostomatitis is usually the worst, and it won't necessarily be a frequent plague.