Ulcerative gingivitis
Ulcerative gingivitis is a dental disease characterized by the development of inflammatory processes in the gum tissues, accompanied by the formation of erosions and ulcers with subsequent necrosis.
The clinical picture of ulcerative gingivitis is more than bright – swelling and hyperemia of the affected gums, unpleasant odor from the oral cavity, bleeding gums when eating, brushing teeth.
Diagnosis and final determination of the diagnosis is possible only on the basis of the conducted samples, as well as bacteriological examination. In complex clinical cases, radiography is additionally performed.
Ulcerative gingivitis is also called necrotizing gingivitis, Vincent’s gingivitis, because with any clinical manifestations, the destruction of gum tissue occurs to one degree or another.
The disease is rare enough, but it is more severe than other types of gingivitis, often general intoxication and malaise are connected to the clinic of the disease.
CAUSES OF ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS
Ulcerative gingivitis rarely develops as an independent disease. The most common ulcerative form of the disease is preceded by catarrhal gingivitis, which manifests itself in the form of swelling and hyperemia of the gums.
Nevertheless, there are two large groups that cause ulcerative gingivitis. The reasons are divided into local and general.
Local reasons include:
Poor oral hygiene.
Accumulation of soft plaque, as well as formed tartar, which constantly injure the gums.
Untreated multiple caries of both milk and permanent teeth.
Bad habits – chewing pens, pencils, toothpicks, as well as smoking abuse.
Unprofessional sanitation of the oral cavity – sharp unpolished edges of the seal, incorrect orthopedic devices, injuries of the oral cavity.
The causes of a general nature are, as a rule, of an infectious nature – namely, some transmitted infectious diseases can cause the development of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis:
Angina (tonsillitis).
Acute respiratory infection.
Herpes stomatitis
In rare cases, HIV infection.
Vitamin deficiency (vitamin C).
Radiation exposure.
Diseases of the blood system, gastrointestinal tract.
The main reason lies in the weakening of the immune system, as a result of which optimal conditions develop in the oral cavity for the reproduction of bacteria, activation of the immune system and the development of inflammatory processes.
SYMPTOMS OF ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS
Ulcerative gingivitis is primarily an acute disease. The main clinical symptoms may occur suddenly, however, they may also be preceded by prodromal symptoms – an increase in the general temperature to 37 degrees, the appearance of a feeling of fatigue, malaise, slight chills. Also, in the prodromal period, unpleasant and painful sensations appear in the gum area.
With minimal mechanical action on the gums, pain and itching increase, the gums bleed.
Further, in the acute period of the disease, ulcers and erosions appear on the local area of the gum. The affected surface is bordered by a necrosis site. Necrosis is a piece of tissue colored dirty gray. Over time, the area of necrosis increases, affecting more and more gum tissues. If the patient tries to remove necrosis from the gums, capillary bleeding appears in its place
Further, the patient has unpleasant, even fetid breathing, which is not stopped by brushing or rinsing the teeth and oral cavity.
In the midst of ulcerative gingivitis, inflammation flows to the regional lymph nodes, the intoxication syndrome increases.
DIAGNOSIS OF ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS
The clinical picture of ulcerative gingivitis is typical, so in most cases diagnosis is not difficult. However, to determine the cause of the development of such an unpleasant disease, additional research methods are carried out, namely:
Functional test.
Serological studies of saliva.
Differential diagnosis of gingivitis, signaling HIV infection, as well as from another dental disease – periodontitis.
Consultation with other specialists (gastroenterologist, dentist).
TREATMENT OF ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS
Treatment of ulcerative gingivitis proceeds in two directions, as the causes are general and local treatment.
Local treatment includes the use of local anesthetics, enzymes that accelerate the separation of necrotic tissue, and antibacterial therapy. After the oral cavity is cleared of necrotic tissues, drugs that increase the healing of the affected tissue are used. In the subacute period, physiotherapy procedures are performed.
The general treatment consists in prescribing metronidazole, vitamins, antiallergic drugs to the patient.
