What is the treatment for gingivostomatitis?

Support care/time: Caused by a viral infection, gingivostomatitis can make it hard to eat or drink. Eating is less important than drinking/keeping hydrated in the immediate. Acetaminophen helps; often Ibuprofen helps more. Fluids and soft foods - nothing salty, spicy, crunchy - go down easier. Sometimes (not always) certain prescription mouth rinses can temporarily help numb the pain to help them drink easier.

Comfort: Unfortunately there is no magic medicine to make the pain go away and since the illness is caused by a virus antibiotics won't help. Usually the sores go away in a week or so. In the meantime often cold foods (ice cream, popsicles, fruit smoothies) can help numb the mouth and make it feel better. Tylenol (acetaminophen) can also help.

Many: Gingivostomatitis (also known as primary herpetic gingivostomatitis) is a combination of gingivitis and stomatitis, or an inflammation of the oral mucosa and gingiva. Treatment includes fluid intake, good oral hygiene and gentle debridement of the mouth. In healthy individuals the lesions heal spontaneously in 7–14 days without scar.

Patience and topical: Will clear up on its own in 7-10 days, you can use topicals such as orabase or ambesol to help with the terrible intra-oral pain involved. Your dentist can also prescribe you a viscous Lidocaine to swish with, works great!

Oral hygiene: Practice good oral hygiene, warm salt water rinses several times a day, see your dentist for other prescription forms of treatment such as antiviral or steroidal medications.