People who contract the viral infection herpes simplex virus type 1 may develop symptoms of herpes within the mouth, a condition also called oral herpes or herpes labialis. Nearly 90 percent of people in the United States develop this infection during their lives, according to the Center for Young Women's Health at Children's Hospital Boston. Though there is no cure for oral herpes, people who develop mouth symptoms should talk with a doctor about potential treatment options to help manage discomfort.
Skin Lesions
Oral skin lesions, more commonly called cold sores or fever blisters, are the characteristic symptom of oral herpes. Initially, unusual sensations of burning, tingling or itching may arise around the lips or in the mouth. Over the next few days, small red lesions may appear around the lips, in the mouth or along the gum line. The skin lesions typically begin to develop into painful blisters that eventually burst, ooze fluid and form a yellow-colored crust. As the herpes lesions begin to heal, the yellow crust flakes off. When the lesions fully heal, the affected skin region does not retain a scar. These herpes mouth symptoms appear approximately one to three weeks following exposure to the virus and may persist for an additional two to three weeks, MedlinePlus reports.
Bad Breath and Increased Salivation
People with this viral infection may develop unusually foul or odorous breath during oral herpes outbreaks, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. Bad breath may persist despite maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits and can be embarrassing to affected people. Certain people may also notice an increase in the amount of saliva within the mouth, which may cause a person to swallow more frequently than usual.
Flu-like Symptoms
Flu-like symptoms may arise in people who have oral herpes. Such symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, swollen glands or malaise, the Center for Young Women's Health reports. Certain people may also develop a sore throat, which can lead to painful or difficulty swallowing or a temporarily diminished appetite. These symptoms subside within a few days of onset without further medical intervention.
