Gingivostomatitis is characterized by inflammation of the gums and mucosa and multiple mouth ulcers. This inflammation results from viral infections, particularly those that cause common childhood illness such as herpes virus (cold sores and acute herpetic stomatitis), Coxsackie viruses (hand, foot and mouth disease and herpangina). These viruses cause shallow ulcers with a grayish or yellowish base and a slightly red margin, on the tissues of the gums (gingiva) or the lining of the cheeks (buccal mucosa). The condition is common, particularly among children.
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