Gum disease toddler

[leliondemer]

After noticing my dd's gums were swollen and bleeding yesterday, we have just had her diagnosed with acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis. The dentists couldn't tell us what had caused it but both said they had never seen it in such a young child (she is 2). She is now on antibiotics and we are cleaning her gums with antiseptic mouthwash (not easy).

My husband and I are really worried. We have no clue what is causing the infection. Apparently it's generally caused by malnourishment but she eats a balanced diet. And she's never ill so I feel her immune system is strong. The dentists inability to explain it to us is also concerning.

Has anyone had any experience of this?

Thanks.

[leliondemer]

Anyone?

[Chrisinthemorning]

Could it be primary herpetic gingivostomatitis instead? That is common in toddlers.

[leliondemer]

I don't think so. The dentists seemed pretty sure.

[Chrisinthemorning]

How is she now OP?

[leliondemer]

Thanks Chris

She is the same and we are going back to the hospital tomorrow. But no worse which is good. However she did have some kind of cold sores come up last night. So I am thinking (and really hoping) that you might be right about the primary herpetic gingivostomatitis. I wonder if that would cause an infection though?

[Chrisinthemorning]

What do you mean by wonder if that would cause an infection?
Basically herpes simplex virus is very common within the population. The first time a child meets that virus, they become infected and that primary infection is PHG. The child will be generally unwell, temp etc and have a very sore mouth often with sore gums etc.
The virus then recedes and lies dormant in the nervous system. It reactivates sometimes throughout life as cold sores.
I have never seen or heard of ANUG in a 2 year old, so that would be pretty rare, however PHG is common in 2 year olds. Having said that I have only seen it once as a dentist in 16 years, I think it presents to GPs more often.
Glad she's no worse and hope you get some answers soon

[leliondemer]

Thanks again Chris - this information is a help. What I mean about an infection is that the dentists we saw seemed sure she has an infection and have prescribed antibiotics. But antibiotics wouldn't be needed to treat PHG if I am understanding right?

[Chrisinthemorning]

I believe aciclovir can be helpful but it is a viral infection so antibiotics wouldn't help. Obviously I can't diagnose anything over the internet, just give you some information
Was it diagnosed at the hospital or at the dental surgery?

[leliondemer]

It was diagnosed at the dental surgery who then sent us to the hospital to try to treat it. Although neither dentists got much of a look in her mouth which is why we are going back to the children's hospital tomorrow. Will raise PHG with them. Thank you very much for the information

[Chrisinthemorning]

How did it go?

[iMatter]

Please chase up the PHG suggestions.

Ds2 had it at 12 months and was properly diagnosed, dealt with and although it was awful we knew what we were dealing with.

Ds1 had it at 10 years old. Misdiagnosed by an idiot doctor (who ignored my concerns about PHG) and was ill for much longer than necessary. Totally miserable, in lots of pain, couldn't eat and when they realised that yes, it was PHG it was far too late for anti virals.

[leliondemer]

Big thank you Chris for your very very useful advice. We were back at hospital yesterday and the dentist still couldn't really explain what DD has so I took her to the pediatrician this morning who diagnosed a viral infection. Feel a lot better. Pretty annoyed that she's on antibiotics for no reason but even more relieved that she doesn't have anug or anything more serious.
Thank you again for your advice