Abstract

*Dr Sanjeev Laller, Dr Ahmad Arif M Aljehani, Dr Abdulkhaliq Ali F Alshadidi, Dr Mamta Malik and
Dr Pooja Sheokand

ABSTRACT

Acute (primary) herpetic gingivostomatitis typically affects children, but this infection also occurs in adults. Because of the limited symptoms, a dentist may be the first health care practitioner consulted. It is therefore important that dentists be able to recognize the condition. The causative agent for AHGS has been identified as herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus exists in 2 forms, HSV-1 (or HHV-1) and HSV-2 (or HHV-2). Most oral, facial and ocular infections result from HSV-1, whereas HSV-2 accounts for most genital and cutaneous lower body herpetic lesions. This paper presents a case report of the primary infection in a five year old with emphasis on clinical features and management.