Course of oral thrush

Introduction

Mouth rot is a viral disease. It can break out in some people, but not in others. It depends on the state of the immune system.

Small children or babies under 3 years of age are most likely to be affected by the disease. Their immune system is not strong enough to fight the herpes simplex virus. Because the immune systems react differently to the pathogens, the course of the disease is also different for everyone.

However, the course of the disease can roughly be divided into 3 stages. A flooding phase, a phase in which the symptoms are at their peak, and then a few days in which the symptoms subside again. Mouth rot also occurs in rare cases in adulthood.

Incubation period and the first symptoms

The incubation period extends from the time the virus enters the body until the moment the disease breaks out. The incubation period is also different for each patient. If the immune system is strong, the virus can be contained for the time being.

However, this weakens the immune system. Thus, the incubation period can be extended, but the virus finally breaks out. One speaks therefore partly of an incubation period of 2-26 days.

However, the first symptoms usually appear within 2-7 days. At the latest after one week, further symptoms are added to the first signs. Already several days before the first symptoms appear, but the disease is already contagious.

This is what the first symptoms look like: The pain can be relieved by soft or liquid food. It is important that a lot of liquid is taken during this phase to prevent the oral cavity from drying out. A good sign that the immune system is reacting to the disease is the increased salivation.

  • The first signs are usually small bubbles. They form mainly on the entire oral mucosa. They can then also appear on the tongue, the palate and the cheek.

    This symptom occurs frequently. One speaks of mouth rot only when there are several such vesicles in the whole mouth. The vesicles swell because of the strong blood circulation in the mouth.

  • They burst open and hurt at the latest then.

    The small wounds are very sensitive to touch and to acidic and spicy food. It is difficult to chew because the movement of the tongue or cheeks irritates the blisters.

  • A few days later the gums become inflamed. It typically swells and turns red.
  • Bubbles in the mouth
  • Mouth rot in adults