Gingivitis is a condition that results in varying degrees of inflammation of the gums, the main culprit being bacterial plaque build-up.
The gums are structures designed to protect and maintain the teeth in the tooth socket.
They react with inflammation if the bacterial plaque gradient exceeds the defense capacity of the oral structures.
Plaque is a soft bacterial deposit that begins to build up in the first few hours after brushing. Its maximum concentration occurs after 20 days.
Each time, after the oral cavity has been cleaned, plaque is disintegrated, but without rigorous brushing and the use of adjuvants, it regenerates.
Local factors predisposing to gum irritation:
Inadequate fillings that do not restore contact points: proximal caries, i.e. of the lateral surfaces of the teeth, are more difficult to fill because they have to restore continuity with the neighboring teeth.
The space between two neighboring teeth is occupied by the free portion of the gum, called the papilla.
This fills the spaces between teeth, giving a healthy appearance to the dental arch.
With fillings that have edges that can injure the gums, or the other situation, if fillings are undersized and food impacts and injures the gums through repeated trauma, the gums react with inflammation.
Tartar – represents mineralized deposits on tooth surfaces, which can be enhanced by an alkaline pH or unhealthy habits such as smoking.
This layer is free of bacterial load, but because of its hard consistency and its location at the level of the dental collars, close to the gums, it can be an irritant leading to inflammation and receding gums.
Incorrectly fitted prosthetic work – prosthetic parts that come into contact with the gingiva or show subgingival aggregation are irritating pins if they do not have correctly fitted edges.
Ulcero-necrotic gingivostomatitis is a severe gum disease affecting mainly young people and adolescents.
The determining factor is the presence of bacterial plaque. In this aggressive pathology, the bacteria change their composition and are dominated by highly invasive species that cause massive damage in a relatively short time.
Symptoms
In Ulcero-necrotic gingivostomatitis the patient reports the following:
Pain – is intense, severe and occurs both spontaneously and on touching by food. Of the foods, hot or spicy ones produce the most severe pain. Also, hygiene is not carried out in normal parameters due to the pain which partially incapacitates the patient.
The gums bleed profusely at the slightest touch during chewing and brushing.
Severe inflammation is present, the covering mucous membranes are red, stretched and in places there are also white, fibrinous deposits.
The patient experiences a metallic taste.
The general condition is altered, the latero-cervical nodes are also detached on palpation, the patient is asthenic, with low tone and no appetite.
In these situations, treatment must be instituted both through a strict hygiene protocol carried out by the dentist and completed by the patient at home and medication, targeted against bacteria that destroy gum tissue.
If treatment is not instituted, the pathology may progress to the supporting tissues of the tooth, i.e. ligaments and alveolar bone. A painful consequence for the patient is the occurrence of tooth mobility and the risk of avulsion of the teeth involved.
Ulcero-necrotic gingivostomatitis is a serious inflammatory condition of the gums that mainly affects young people and adolescents. The condition is characterized by intense inflammation, ulceration and necrosis of the gums, causing painful symptoms and disrupting the normal functioning of the oral cavity.
The main factor involved in the development of ulcerative-stomatitis is bacterial plaque. In this aggressive pathology, plaque bacteria undergo changes and are dominated by highly invasive bacterial species that cause massive damage in a relatively short time.
Symptoms associated with Ulcero-necrotic gingivostomatitis include intense pain, both spontaneous and on touching the gums with food. Hot or spicy foods may cause more intense pain. Normal oral hygiene is difficult because of the pain, which partially limits the patient’s ability to perform proper tooth brushing.
Affected gums bleed profusely at the slightest contact, while chewing or brushing. Inflammation is severe and the gum lining is red, stretched and white fibrinous deposits may appear. A common symptom reported by patients is the presence of a metallic taste in the mouth.
In addition to oral symptoms, patients with Ulcero-necrotic gingivostomatitis may also experience an altered general condition. Swollen lymph nodes may be seen in the throat area on palpation. Patients may feel asthenic, have low tone and may have decreased appetite.
Treatment
Treatment of ulcerative gingivostomatitis involves a complex approach combining rigorous oral hygiene measures and drug treatment. The oral hygiene protocol is established by the dentist and can be completed by the patient at home.
It involves regular and careful tooth brushing, flossing and the use of recommended gargling solutions.
The main aim of the medicinal treatment is to combat the bacteria involved in the destruction of gum tissue.
It is important that treatment is instituted as soon as possible to prevent progression of the pathology to the supporting tissues of the teeth, such as ligaments and alveolar bone.
Neglecting treatment can lead to tooth mobility and increase the risk of loss of affected teeth.
In conclusion, untreated, ulcerative-stomatitis can have serious consequences for oral health. It can lead to damage to the supporting tissues of the teeth, which can result in tooth mobility and even loss of the teeth involved.
Also, the intense pain and discomfort associated with this condition can affect patients’ quality of life, interfering with proper nutrition and oral hygiene.
In order to prevent the development of ulcerative-stomatitis and to maintain the health of the gums, it is important to adopt proper oral hygiene. Regular and correct tooth brushing, flossing and use of recommended gargling solutions can help remove plaque and prevent gum inflammation.
Regular visits to the dentist to assess oral health and professional cleaning of teeth are also essential in maintaining healthy gums.
If symptoms of gingivitis or gingivostomatitis appear, it is important to seek immediate dental care.
Your dentist can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment. This may include topical therapy with antiseptic solutions or antibiotics, as well as medication to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat severe gum damage.
Ulcerative gingivostomatitis is a serious inflammatory condition of the gums that can have significant consequences for oral health. It is important to pay attention to proper oral hygiene and seek immediate dental care if symptoms appear. Prompt and appropriate treatment can prevent progression of the disease and maintain the health of the gums and teeth.
