Gingivostomatitis

Symptoms:

• sores on the inside of the cheeks or on the gingiva (gums)
• a fever
• general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
• a very sore mouth with no desire to eat
• breath odor ("bad breath")

Signs and tests:

An examination of the mouth shows small typical ulcerations. These ulcers appear similar to mouth ulcers caused by other conditions. An underlying infection may be indicated by a general examination and history of a cough, fever, muscle aches, or other signs.

Normally, no special studies are required for the diagnosis of gingivostomatitis.

• A culture of material obtained from the surface of the sore may indicate a viral infection.
• Biopsy may occasionally be used to distinguish gingivostomatitis from other types of mouth ulcers.