My 16 month old DS has suspected Gingivostomatitis which started as a fever and developed into extremely sore and swollen mouth and gums and ulcers around his lips. We took him to the GP yesterday who initially thought it might be HF&M or Scarlett Fever but his symptoms are definitely more in keeping with Gingivostomatitis (it runs in the family too). I’m trying to get another appointment for a second opinion today but it’s not proving easy.
My main concern is that I’m struggling to brush his teeth which I’ve read is important if children have Gingivostomatitis as symptoms can worsen if oral hygiene isn’t kept up…
'Continue to brush your teeth and gums, even if it hurts. If you don't continue to practice good oral care, your symptoms could worsen. You'll also be more likely to develop gingivostomatitis again. Gently brushing with a soft toothbrush will make brushing less painful.'
However every time I try and brush his teeth, no matter how softly I do it, he cries in pain and his gums bleed a lot! I’ve not dared to brush them for 48 hours now.Â
I’m writing this in the hope that a dentist or medical professional might be reading as I’m at a loss as to what to do. I wanted to get him an urgent dentist appointment but this probably isn’t possible whilst he’s still contagious and I don't know who to ask.
Do I perservere and continue trying to brush his teeth even though it’s causing so much pain and blood??
Â
Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.
Children's health
Gingivostomatitis - bleeding gums when I try to brush teeth
EdPops · 19/09/2023 13:36
randobear · 19/09/2023 13:38
hi OP, I've not got experience with the symptoms you mention but did want to mention trying a toothpaste without SLS in it, if you can find it. That seems to aggravate my son's lips and gums, giving him ulcers. When we switched it was much better. Might be worth a try if you've not already.
Hayleyc123 · 22/09/2023 22:28
Hi my daughter got diagnosed with this on the 20th! She has caught my cold sore basically. Same symptoms fever and has been sick as well. Mouth is so sore been struggling to get her to drink let alone eat anything and I dare not put a toothbrush in her mouth for 48 hours now as well. How long has your little one had it now? Online says two/three weeks for the mouth to heal I really hope it’s not that long she’s in so much pain!
Hayleyc123 · 23/09/2023 17:50
Ah thank you I will get back on it I have got her old baby toothbrush out which is a lot smaller so will give it a go again and make sure I do it. Hopefully next week will start to feel better. The sores are just horrible just constantly crying in pain from them!
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.