What Causes Mouth Sores?

Gingivomatitis

Gingivostomatitis occurs when the mouth and gums become infected. The most common symptom is swelling in the gums or mouth, which is sometimes accompanied by mouth lesions that look like canker sores. Affected individuals might experience the sores on their gums, tongue, cheeks, or the roof of their mouth. The infection can either be viral or bacterial, and in many cases, it stems from improper oral hygiene. The condition is even more common with children than with adults. A child who has gingivostomatitis might refuse to drink or eat because of the pain from the sores, and they may also drool. The infection can lead them to develop swollen lymph nodes and a fever. This infection can be caused by HSV-1, the same virus that leads to cold sores. It can also be caused by actinomyces and streptococcus bacteria. Another cause is coxsackievirus, which is typically transmitted by touching a hand or surface contaminated by feces. In addition to mouth infection and sores, coxsackievirus can lead to flu-like symptoms.

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