Gingivitis in children and infants, is it bacterial or viral, what is the cause and what is the treatment?

Because they do not know how to describe what they are going through, and because they are the most valuable thing we have, we get crazy anxious when someone afflicts any disease. Let us learn today about gingivitis that affects children and infants, its causes, treatment, and ways to prevent infection with it, and how to deal with it according to each age.

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a common infection of the mouth and gums, especially in children. The main symptoms are swelling of the mouth and gums, there may also be some lesions and blisters that look like cold sores. This infection may occur as a result of a viral or bacterial infection, often associated with improper oral and dental care.

Children with gingivitis suffer from drooling, refuse to eat and drink, and may also develop a fever or swollen lymph nodes.

Causes of gingivitis in children:
Regardless of lack of good oral and dental hygiene, gingivitis can develop as a result of viral or bacterial infections, including:

Herpes simplex virus type XNUMX.
Coxsackie virus.
Some types of bacteria, such as streptococcus bacteria.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of gingivitis may differ from one child to another, and include:

Feeling of discomfort or severe pain in the mouth.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Swollen gums.
Painful sores or blisters on the gums or inside the mouth.
Difficulty eating and drinking.
Fever or high body temperature.
Sometimes the symptoms are accompanied by bad breath.

Diagnosis:
The doctor will conduct a clinical examination of the child, after hearing all the symptoms from his parents.
The doctor may also ask to take a biopsy or swab from the sores in the mouth, to check the type of bacteria or virus that causes the disease.

treatment :
Symptoms usually resolve within two to three weeks on their own. Medical treatment usually includes antibiotics if the infection is bacterial, or an antiviral medication such as acyclovir for severe viral infections.

Some simple natural remedies to relieve symptoms of gingivitis:
Have your child rinse his mouth with a solution of water and salt several times a day (add half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of water).
Avoid giving your child spicy and salty foods.
Offer your child a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, which enhances his immunity and helps speed up the healing of gums.
Oral and dental hygiene.
Some natural oils can be used to relieve minor gum infections, such as vitamin E oil, or castor oil.
You can soak guava leaves in boiling water, then use it as a mouthwash twice daily, as it has been proven to have an effective role in reducing gingivitis.

Ways to prevent gingivitis:
Teach your child how to take good care of the cleanliness of his mouth and teeth, and follow-up.
Follow a healthy diet.
Do regular dental checkups every six months.
Wash hands thoroughly before and after eating, and after using the bathroom, to avoid transmitting infection.
Avoid mixing your child with people who have any kind of infection.
Avoid having a child share personal items with anyone, such as a brush, towel, underwear, etc.

Complications of gingivitis:
Gingivitis may lead to some complications in children, who refuse to eat and drink, and this can lead to dehydration. So you must make sure that your child gets enough water, and natural juices to prevent dehydration.

Some complications can also occur, in the case of gingivitis due to the herpes simplex virus. In some severe cases, this virus can affect the immune system of children, and it can affect the eyes.