| dc.description.abstract | Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is a common paediatric infection and the causative organism in 90% of cases is herpes simplex virus type 1, with complications that range from indolent cold sores to dehydration and even life-threatening encephalitis. A nine year old, female presented with a main complaint of difficulty eating due to pain associated with multiple shallow oval oral ulcers. PHG has to be differentiated clinically from acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis, recurrent HSV infection, herpangia, aphtous ulcers, erythema multiforme, teething, allergic stomatitis and ulcers due to chemotherapy. Management of PHG is palliative and supportive, with symptomatic relief that primarily involves pain management and oral fluids to prevent dehydration until the viral infection subsides, prevention of dehydration, and shortening the duration of lesions even though orolabial herpetic infections are usually self-limiting. The aim of this case study was to highlight a symptomatic case of PHG which required an astute diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan with emphasises on the importance for oral health clinicians to have a holistic approach to management of oral disease. | en_US |
