Symptom 2: Swollen Gums
Another significant sign of gingivostomatitis is swollen gums. A person might notice their gums appearing redder than usual, coupled with a tenderness that wasn’t present before. Touching or brushing against these swollen areas can result in pain, sometimes even leading to bleeding.
Inflamed gums aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They signal an underlying issue, and in the case of gingivostomatitis, they indicate the body’s reaction to the herpes simplex virus. The gums become the battleground for the body’s immune response, leading to inflammation.
One aspect that complicates this symptom is that swollen gums can make oral hygiene challenging. Regular activities, like brushing or flossing, can become painful tasks. This can further exacerbate the condition if proper hygiene isn’t maintained. (2)
