Gingival Inflammation
Look For
- Swelling and erythema of the gums.
Interpretation
- Gingivitis - generalised swelling and erythema.
- Abscess - localised swelling and erythema.
- Pericoronitis - inflammation surrounding a partially erupted tooth (e.g. wisdom tooth).
Causes of Gingival Inflammation
- Infection - bacterial, viral, fungal
- Trauma
- Dermatologic - lichen planus, pemphygoid, erythema multiforme
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Malnutrition
Gingival Bleeding
Look For
- Bleeding from the gums.
Causes of Gingival Bleeding
- Trauma - mechanical, chemical, radiation
- Bleeding disorder - defects of bone marrow / platelets / factors / vitamin K, medications
- Infection - viral, bacterial, fungal
- Dermatosis
- Erythema multiforme
- Connective tissue disorders - SLE, scurvy
- Drugs
Gingival Hypertrophy
Look For
- Enlargement of the gums without inflammation.
Significance
- May be a sign of acute myeloid leukaemia.
Causes of Gingival Hypertrophy
- Drugs - phenytoin, calcium channel blockers, cyclosporine
- Acute myeloid leukaemia
- Pregnancy
- Idiopathic
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