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Dentistry/herpes simplex

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Expert: - 8/16/2007


Question
Hello,

If my 5 year old daughter were to catch herpes simplex (cold sore/fever blister) virus from her friend, how likely is a severe primary episode?  My daughter was exposed and I am wondering if it is likely she will get the sores in and all around her mouth if she caught it.  I think it is called primary herpetic gingivostomatitis???  Also, are some HSV1 strains stronger than others?

Answer
Dear Michelle,

your question is most sophisticated and reveals that you have a good science background.

First, it is highly unlikely that your daughter will catch herpes simplex from her friend. It is also most likely that at age 5 years she has already had her primary attack, and that it was so mild it went unnoticed.
As long is your daughter is well trust that her natural salivary immune system will protect her.

Regarding the HSV1 part of your question the answer is not simple, ........ the scientist is always faced with the clinical question,  is the individual more susceptible because of genetics or is the particular strain more virulent.

All the best,
Dr. Moss

Dentistry

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Stephen J. Moss

Expertise

I am a professor emeritus at New York University, with a background that includes extensive research, scientific writing and biology. I also am an international consultant in health education, particularly in developing education on new science for health professionals and consumers. I am a past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, former head of the NYU Division of Oral Biology and I represent the World Dental Federation at the United Nations. I travel around the world to provide health education to professionals and consumers.

Experience

Having retired from New York Universit, where I directed the pediatric dentistry training program, a walk-in dental clinic and research on oral biology, I formalized my professional and consumer health education initiative in the form of Health Education Enterprises. This entity consults and provides information on new science pertaining to oral and general health, particularly leading edge concepts that can be employed in the health professions to improve the public's health. As such, I am an expert in communicating new science and its usefulness to professional and lay audiences alike. I also had a pediatric dentistry practice in New York City for nearly 30 years.

Organizations
I am affiliated with the American Dental Association, the World Dental Federation, the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry among other formal organizations. My experience has included a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and work at the Forsythe Dental Research Center

Publications
lpha Omegan USA, Nowa Stomatologia Poland, Journal of Public Health Dentistry, The Journal of the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry USA, News Bulletin Japan, Journal of Marmara University Dental Faculty Turkey, Italian Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Italy, Asian Dentist Singapore, The Journal of the Israel Dental Association Israel, ROBRAC Brazil, Italian Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
Italy, FDI World, STOMA Portugal, Pediatric Dentistry The Philippines, Modern Stomatology Bulgaria, Journal of the Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry India

Education/Credentials
I obtained a doctor of dental science (DDS) degree, a master of science degree and am a board certified pediatric dentist.

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