Gingivitis is an acute bacterial infection of the gingivae caused by resident flora in the mouth: the fusiform bacteria and spirochetes. Other precipitating factors include: poor oral hygiene, increased age, nutritional deficiencies, lack of rest and sleep, local tissue damage, and debilitating diseases such as infectious mononucleosis, nonspecific viral infections, bacterial infections, blood dyscariasis and diabetes mellitus. Most of these factors are avoidable and so therefore it is unpreventable. There is nothing to worry about because this condition is not contagious.
It is also one of many classifying causes of stomatitis. Stomatitis is the inflammation of the oral cavity, may be of infectious origin or a manifestation of a systematic condition. It may be caused by mechanical trauma such as injury, or chemical trauma such as drugs used in the treatment of some form of cancer. Jagged teeth, cheek biting, and mouth breathing may also result in mechanical trauma. Certain foods and drinks as well as sensitivity to strong mouthwash and toothpaste may produce chemical trauma. The inflammatory sloughing of tissue allows organisms to multiply which may lead to infection by viruses, bacteria and yeasts.
Laser treatment is said to be a less painful surgery for gingivitis. The client’s oral mucous membranes will begin to heal and pain will be relieved or controlled. Laser treatment has been in existence for a couple of years. Other medical management available includes topical antifungal agents as well as other topical agents to alleviate the infection and provide pain reduction. Mouthwashes of warm saline or the use of water are often ordered as part of an oral hygiene regimen. Pureed diet may also be ordered by the dentist. Prophylactic use of antifungal agents is indicated for high risk clients. Oral pharyngeal cultures should be taken also if infection is suspected.
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