Clinical Features, Etiopathogenesis, and Therapeutic Approaches of Acute Gingival Lesions: A Narrative Review

Cureus. 2024 Aug 18;16(8):e67129. doi: 10.7759/cureus.67129. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Abstract

A bacterial infection is typically the source of gingivitis, a non-destructive condition that produces gum inflammation. Unlike chronic lesions, which have well-defined features and a gradual onset, acute lesions are unpleasant. Usually, the first symptoms are bleeding, swollen, and red gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, a more serious condition where the gums separate from the teeth. It seems that gingival disease-induced inflammation is a necessary condition for the breakdown of connective tissue attachment apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). This may result in damage to the bone and soft tissue that support the teeth, leading to loosening and unstable teeth, and if the infection worsens, eventual tooth loss may occur. While one of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases in humans is plaque-induced gingivitis, there are several less common but frequently very significant non-plaque-induced gingival illnesses. Maintaining regular dental hygiene can help prevent gingivitis and make it reversible. Non-plaque-induced gingival lesions might be pathologic alterations restricted to gingival tissues, but they are also frequent signs of systemic disorders. Diagnosing patients with these lesions and creating treatment regimens for them must be the aim of the therapy.

Keywords: acute aphthous stomatitis; acute candidiasis; acute gingival abscess; acute gingival lesions; acute herpetic gingival stomatitis; acute necrotizing gingival lesions; acute pericoronitis; acute streptococcal gingivitis; gingivitis.

Publication types

  • Review