Ulcerative Gingivitis, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

But there is no involvement with the sexual organs. Also known as Vincent’s disease, it is actually the later stage of untreated gingivitis, resulting in a destructive infection of the gums and painful ulcers. This ulceration usually occurs between the teeth below the gum line on the periodontal layers of the tooth. The infection, caused by two specific strains of bacteria, fusobacterium plautivincenti and borrelia vincentii commonly found in the mouth, only become pathogenic when other negligent factors are present. Not cleaning teeth and gums properly, failure to stop smoking, allowing a throat infection to persist, chronic emotional stress, lack of rest, poor nutrition, plus having existing untreated gingivitis-- all combine to cause a decreased resistance to infection and the disease, ulcerative gingivitis. 

Though ulcerative gingivitis, and the term trench mouth is misused and falsely attributed to other infectious conditions of the mouth-- in reality, it is rather rare. It usually occurs in young adults, from ages 15 to 35. Probably because of their adolescent and care-free lifestyle which includes lack of rest, too much stress from partying, peer pressures and poor nutrition-- they are prone to being susceptible to the disease.

Untreated lesions are usually covered by a yellowish-gray membrane that can be scraped off leaving bleeding tissues behind. Gums may be red and swollen and sometimes so painful it becomes impossible to eat. In time, ulcers appear on the gums, bleeding with no apparent cause. A metallic taste may be present, along with a low-grade fever and lethargy. With all these odorous symptoms present, bad breath is also inevitable. At the first sign of any of these symptoms, see your dentist or physician so treatment can be started without delay.

A simple blood test can detect gum disease up to eight months before symptoms appear and it can even be done in the dentist’s office. The dentist can draw a drop of blood from a finger prick, have it analyzed, then determine if the bacteria  fusobacterium plautivincenti or borrelia vincentii are present, the ones that cause gum disease.

Ulcerative gingivitis treatment

Treatment should begin as soon as possible. Damaged tissue is removed through gentle debridement and irrigation. At times, antibiotics such as polymyxin, Bacitracin, neomycin or a mixture of them, such as Neosporin, can be applied to the infected area and may be of some value. (Caution: not for prolonged use as it is caustic to the sensitive tissues of the mouth, it may cause further tissue damage. A prescription for an oral or injectible antibiotic, penicillin, tetracycline or erythromycin, is usually given only when fever, lethargy or lymph node involvement occurs). Periodic check-ups may be necessary, with deep-scaling, the opening of periodontal pockets and related dental defects corrected to prevent re-infection. Use a 1.5% solution of hydrogen peroxide (3% diluted in equal parts) with warm water as a mouthwash, several times a day, to relieve the pain and inflammation. Force the solution between the teeth with a syringe or use the cheeks and tongue to circulate the solution. Do not  overuse as the peroxide can be caustic. Aside from the use of mouthwash there’s more that can be done at home with supplements, nutrients and herbs.

• Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg daily to increase tissue oxygenation
• Vitamin C with bioflavinoids to promote healing of gum tissues
• Calcium & Magnesium, chelated, in proportion of 1500mg/750mg daily to slow down degenarative bone loss
• Vitamin A, 25,000 IU daily for 1 month, then 10,000 IU daily thereafter to promote healing of gum tissues
• Selenium, 200 mcg daily, antioxidant and cancer preventative
• Aloe vera, clove oil, as needed for temporary gum and tooth pain relief
• Ecinacea, hawthorn berries, myrrh gum and rose hips, used as a poultice or in the form of teas to reduce inflammation and enhance immunity
• Goldenseal, swish dropperful in mouth for a few minutes, then swallow to destroy the bacteria causing periodontol disease. (Discontinue after a week of treatment; avoid if pregnant or allergic to ragweed)

Ulcerative gingivitis prevention

Eat a variety of fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and high-fibre foods to provide adequate supply of vitamins and minerals essential for oral health. Vitamins C and A are especially important for the prevention of future bouts of gingivitis or the later stage, pyorrhea. Minerals important for healthy teeth include sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. Also follow these guidelines to give you added protection from future infections:

• Avoid sugar and all refined carbohydrates to deter plaque buildup
• Brush teeth with goldenseal powder daily for one month; change brands of toothpaste often as some brands are irritable to the gums
• Use dental marking tablets to show where brushing missed cleaning teeth
• Use very soft bristles and change toothbrushes every month
• Floss teeth daily and use stim-u-dent type product daily to massage gums and increase blood flow
• Use special dental rinse that you use before brushing to loosen plaque on teeth
• Open vitamin E capsule and rub oil on gums daily
• Electric toothbrushes better than manual for plaque removal
• Diabetic patients and others with certain illnesses and blood disorders are at higher risk for gum disease
• Avoid unnecessary systemic antibiotics at this time to protect the good bacteria in the digestive system; goldenseal is safer, effective, with no side effects

A small percentage of gum disease cases originate at the source of where it is being treated— the dentist’s office. Be sure sure your dentist, hygienists and dental assistants take proper precautions to avoid transmitting the disease. Washing hands often, changing gloves between patients, sterilizing of re-usable instruments, and disinfecting of waiting rooms and examination areas should be standard operating procedure but often get overlooked in high patient-load practices.