Gingivitis Disease

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Inflammation of the gingiva, one of the forms of significant oral infections

Others forms of oral infection:
- Periodontitis - progression of gingivitis to connective tissue and alveolar bone
- Vincent's angina (trench mouth, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, fusospirochetosis) - fusiform bacillus or spirochete infection
- Glossitis - inflammation of the tongue (see separate title on this subject)
System(s) affected: Gastrointestinal
Genetics: No known genetic pattern
Incidence/Prevalence in USA: Pandemic, 90% of the population affected
Predominant age: Mostly adult
Predominant sex: Male = Female

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Mouth odor (bad breath)
Gum swelling (painless)
Gum redness
Change of normal gum contours
Gum bleeding when flossing or brushing
Edema of interdental papillae
Narrow band of bright red inflamed gum surrounding neck of tooth
Vincent's angina - ulcers, fever, malaise, regional lymphadenopathy, pain

CAUSES

Noncontagious
Inadequate plaque removal
Blood dyscrasias
Reaction to oral contraceptives
Vincent's - fusiform bacillus or spirochete infection
Allergic reactions
Endocrine disturbances, i.e., pregnancy, menses
Chronic debilitating disease

RISK FACTORS

Diabetes mellitus
Malocclusion
Poor dental hygiene
Mouth breathing
Faulty dental restoration
HIV positive
Pregnancy

DIAGNOSIS

LABORATORY

Smear to identify causative agent

Drugs that may alter lab results: N/A
Disorders that may alter lab results: N/A

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Acute or chronic inflammation
Broken crepuscular epithelium
Hyperemic capillaries
Polymorphonuclear infiltration
Papillary projections in subepithelial tissue
Fibroblasts

SPECIAL TESTS

N/A

IMAGING

N/A

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

N/A

TREATMENT

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Outpatient

GENERAL MEASURES

Remove irritating factors (plaque, calculus, faulty dentures)
Good oral hygiene
Regular dental check-ups
No smoking
Warm saline rinses twice daily
Prophylaxis by dental hygienist

SURGICAL MEASURES

N/A

ACTIVITY

No restrictions

DIET

Assure adequate vitamins and minerals

PATIENT EDUCATION

Printed patient information available from: American Dental Association, 211 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, (800)621-8099

FOLLOW UP

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE

Good oral hygiene, daily brushing and flossing
Cleaning by a dentist or hygienist every 6 months or sooner

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Severe periodontal disease

EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS

Usual course - acute; relapsing; intermittent; chronic
Prognosis - generally favorable, responds well to appropriate treatment

MISCELLANEOUS

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Periodontitis
Glossitis

AGE-RELATED FACTORS

Pediatric: Mild cases common in children and usually requires no treatment
Geriatric: More frequent in this age group (due more to lifelong accumulation, rather than increased susceptibility)
Others: N/A

PREGNANCY

Characteristics - hyperplasia, pedunculated gingival growths, pyogenic granuloma

OTHER NOTES

N/A

ABBREVIATIONS

N/A

Clinical Investigations

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY

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