gingivostomatitis /jin′jivōstō′mətī″tis/ [L, gingiva + Gk, stoma, mouth, itis, inflammation] , multiple painful ulcers on the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth, the result of a herpesvirus infection. The condition most frequently affects infants and young children. It usually subsides after 1 week to 10 days, but in rare cases it may progress to a systemic viral infection. It may disguise other more serious mouth ulcers. See also herpes simplex.
