gingivitis
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gingivitis
Gingivitis
a disease of the gums characterized by inflammation, dystrophy, and so on.
Gingivitis may develop from the action of unfavorable external factors on the gum tissues (intoxication with lead, manganese, bismuth, or other toxins), but may also be a manifestation of the irritation of the body’s local or general reactivity. Under the action of harmful factors on the mucous membrane of the gum, first the gingival papilla and then neighboring portions of the mucosa become inflamed. Bleeding and soreness of the gums appears. With prolonged action of harmful factors, a destructive process may develop—the formation of ulcers or erosions on the gingival mucosa. When necrotic sections appear as a result of intoxication, the general condition of the body declines, body temperature rises, and the patient suffers from headache, weakness, excessive perspiration, insomnia, and a putrid odor from the mouth. Gingivitis has a tendency toward frequent exacerbations, which arise simultaneously with the aggravation of any disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment is directed toward removing the basic disease and harmful factors. Gingivitis can be prevented by cleaning the teeth without fail, systematic removal of dental plaque, and timely treatment of the teeth and the mucosa of the oral cavity.
REFERENCE
Rukovodstvo po terapevticheskoi stomatologii. Edited by A. I. Evdokimov. Moscow, 1967.V. N. ISAEV