Do NOT wait until you child is 4 years old to have this done. HSV-1 in infants include fever, crying, oral pain, and an unwillingness to eat or drink. Clinically, the gums are fiery red and painful, and blisters are present on the tongue and lips. Children can be infected with this herpes virus by sharing toys that other infants have had in their mouths. The herpes virus can also be transferred by the sharing of washcloths at home or at daycare.
Children can also contract oral herpes by using a parent's or sibling's toothbrush.
Finally, parents with herpetic lip sores can infect their babies by kissing them on the mouth. Note that if your child goes to daycare or to the baby-sitter, you should insist that toys, rattles, and sleeping mats be wiped and cleaned at least twice a day with a diluted bleach solution to prevent transfer of viruses and bacteria. Do NOT allow sharing of washcloths at home or in daycare. Use paper towels instead. The good news is that many oral infections, including caries, are preventable.