Causes

The cause of mouth rot in babies is always the herpes virus. The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1) is the most common cause, much less frequently also the Herpes Simplex Virus 2, which is transmitted via saliva through direct contact with the infected person. The spread of the virus is immense, as it is highly infectious.

However, the disease does not manifest itself in everyone. In the majority of cases, infection with the virus is asymptomatic and there are no symptoms. The outbreak of oral thrush is therefore – seen in relation to the virus carriers – rather the exception. Mouth rot is very common in schools and kindergartens. The reason for this is that the disease is the first manifestation of the virus, and children in particular are infected when they eat together or use playground equipment.

How long is the incubation period?

The incubation period is the time between contact with the herpes virus and the onset of the disease. This is a very individual time, which varies from child to child and is also related to the physical condition and strength of the immune system. However, the first blisters appear on average within about 1-26 days and thus also trigger the typical pain. The virus remains present in the body after the initial contact and can break out again and again as lip herpes in adulthood.

How contagious is mouth rot in babies?

Especially among toddlers and babies, mouth rot can spread very quickly. One of the reasons for this is that the affected little ones put all their toys in their mouths and then pass them on to their playmates without hesitation. This direct method of transmission means that the day care center is absolutely taboo until all the blisters have dried up and the children should stay at home – preferably in bed.

Even the contact with the child’s saliva should be avoided and the kissing on the mouth should be restricted for the duration of the acute illness. Otherwise the virus can be transmitted very quickly to other children or the partner.Preventing oral thrush is indeed very difficult, as the virus can spread via both smear and droplet infection. Since nearly all humans carry this virus in themselves, contact for babies is therefore pre-programmed.

About 80% of 2-year-old children have already formed antibodies against the herpes virus, although not all have experienced oral thrush in its entire course. Contact with other children who suffer acutely from mouth rot should therefore be avoided at all costs. It would only be necessary to put the toys of the little ones into their mouths and change them once, and the disease would be transmitted.