D

Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis is caused by herpes simplex virus-1; management is supportive (hydration, analgesics, topical anesthetics) and, when started early, systemic antiviral therapy such as acyclovir. Corticosteroids and systemic or local antibiotics (e.g., penicillin) have no therapeutic role and can even worsen viral infections [Amir, 2001, PMID 11577924; Faden, 2006, PMID 16651921].