What is gingivostomatitis?

牙龈炎是口腔和牙龈的常见感染。主要症状是口腔或牙龈肿胀。口中也可能有类似的病变canker sores。This infection may be the result of a viral or bacterial infection. It’s often associated with improper care of your teeth and mouth.

牙龈炎is especially common in children. Children with gingivostomatitis may drool and refuse to eat or drink because of the discomfort (often severe) caused by the sores. They may also developfever和swollen lymph nodes。

如果：

  • symptoms worsen or persist more than a few days
  • your child experiences fever or咽喉痛
  • 您的孩子拒绝吃或喝

由于以下原因，可能会发生牙龈炎的牙龈炎。

  • 单纯疱疹病毒1型（HSV-1），引起的病毒唇疱疹
  • Coxsackievivirus是一种经常通过接触表面或被粪便污染的人的手传播的病毒（该病毒也会引起流感样症状）
  • 某些细菌（链球菌，放线菌）
  • poor oral hygiene (not flossing and brushing your teeth regularly)

牙龈炎的症状可能会因严重而有所不同。您可能会感到轻微的不适，或者经历严重的疼痛和张痛。牙龈炎的症状可能包括：

  • tender sores on the gums or insides of cheeks (like canker sores, they are grayish or yellow on the outside and red in the center)
  • 口臭
  • fever
  • 肿胀，流血的牙龈
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • 流口水，尤其是在幼儿
  • 一种不适的普遍感觉（不适）
  • difficulty eating or drinking due to mouth discomfort, and in children a refusal to eat or drink

您的医生会检查您的嘴巴是否有疮，这是病情的主要症状。通常不需要更多测试。如果还存在其他症状（例如cough, fever, and肌肉疼痛），他们可能想做更多的测试。

在某些情况下，您的医生可能会从酸痛中服用培养物（拭子）以检查细菌（咽喉炎）或病毒。您的医生也可能表演活检如果他们怀疑存在其他口腔疮，则可以去除皮肤。

牙龈肿瘤疮通常在两到三周内消失，而无需治疗。如果细菌或病毒是牙龈炎的原因，您的医生可能会开出一种抗生素并清洁感染区域以促进愈合。

您可以采取一些措施来缓解不适。

  • 服用医生处方的药物。
  • Rinse your mouth with a medicated mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide or xylocaine. These are readily available at your local drugstore. You can also make your own by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water.
  • 吃健康的饮食。避免非常辣，咸或酸味。这些食物会刺痛或刺激疮。柔软的食物也可能更舒适。

非处方（OTC）止痛药也可能有所帮助。即使疼痛，也会继续刷牙和牙龈。如果您不继续练习良好的口腔护理，您的症状可能会恶化。您还将更有可能再次患上牙龈炎。用软牙刷轻轻刷牙会使刷牙减轻疼痛。

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can lead to gingivostomatitis. This virus usually isn’t serious, but it can cause complications in babies and those with weakened immune systems.

The HSV-1 virus can also spread to the eyes, where it can infect the corneas. This condition is called herpes simplex keratitis (HSK).

触摸酸痛后，您应该始终洗手，因为病毒很容易散布在眼睛上。除了疼痛和不适，HSK还会造成永久性的眼睛损害，甚至失明。HSK的症状包括水状，红眼睛和对光的敏感性。

当存在口腔疮时，HSV-1也可以通过口交转移到生殖器上。大多数生殖器疱疹病例是由于HSV-2引起的。痛苦的生殖器疮是HSV-2的标志。这是高度传染性的。

Decreased appetite and dehydration

牙龈炎的儿童有时拒绝进食或喝酒。这最终会导致脱水。脱水症状包括：

Parents may notice that their child is sleeping more than usual or isn’t interested in their usual activities. Contact your doctor if you suspect your child has gingivostomatitis and refuses to eat or drink.

照顾好牙齿和牙龈可能会降低您患牙龈炎的风险。健康的牙龈是粉红色的，没有疮或病变。良好的口腔卫生基础包括：

  • 刷牙至少每天两次，尤其是在进食和入睡之前
  • 每天牙线
  • 每六个月，每六个月牙医对牙齿进行专业检查和清洁
  • keeping mouth pieces (dentures, retainers, musical instruments) clean to prevent bacteria growth

To avoid the HSV-1 virus that can cause gingivostomatitis, avoid kissing or touching the face of a person who is infected. Do not share makeup, razors, or silverware with them.

Frequently washing your hands is the best way to avoid the coxsackievirus. This is especially important after using public toilets or changing a baby’s diaper and before eating or preparing meals. It’s also important to educate children about the importance of proper hand washing.

牙龈炎可能是轻度的，或者可能不舒服和痛苦。通常，疮在两到三周内愈合。用正确的抗生素或抗病毒药物治疗细菌或病毒可能有助于加快愈合。家庭护理治疗也可以帮助症状。

问：

哪些家庭治疗可以帮助缓解轻度牙龈炎的症状？

匿名病人

A：

Home treatments include over-the-counter analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), local topical anesthetics (Orajel, Anbesol), topical preparations containing glycerin and peroxide (Gly-Oxide), and warm mouth rinses (1 tsp. baking soda to 1/2 cup warm water, 1/2 tsp. salt to 1 cup warm water). These all help to soothe the mucous membrane, as will cool liquids (milkshakes), clear liquids (apple juice), ice chips or popsicles, and soft cold foods (apple sauce, Jell-O). Avoid acidic or carbonated liquids, and salty, spicy, or hard foods. Follow good oral hygiene habits including regular tooth brushing and flossing.

克里斯汀·弗兰克（Christine Frank），DDS 答案代表我们的医学专家的意见。所有内容都是严格的信息，不应被视为医疗建议。