Diseases of the oral mucosa: diagnosis and treatment

Causes and symptoms of periostitis

Symptoms of periostitis include swelling of the gums and face, suppuration, fever, and severe pain. The severity of dental flux manifestations depends on the form and severity of the disease. Swelling and asymmetry of facial contours depend on the location of the inflammation. With periostitis of the upper jaw, swelling of the upper lip, cheek and infraorbital area occurs. With periostitis of the lower jaw, swelling can be observed in the lower part of the face.

The causes of flux can be:

failure to comply with hygiene rules;
diseased or untreated teeth;
consequences of complex tooth extraction;
jaw injuries;
infectious and inflammatory processes in the body;
weakened immunity.

What diseases does a periodontist treat?

The area of expertise of a periodontist includes the treatment of gum diseases that have developed in periodontal tissues. The most common pathologies:

Gingivitis is an inflammatory process of the periodontal soft tissues that occurs without disruption of the periodontal ligaments.
Only the gums are involved in the pathology. The first signs of the disease are bleeding and pain in the tissues surrounding the teeth. The pathology can occur in an acute form, which is also characterized by swelling, hyperemia of the mucous membrane, and itching. The chronic course of gingivitis causes virtually no discomfort, so a person is in no hurry to see a periodontist. Despite the asymptomatic course, the inflammatory process gradually progresses, complications arise - ulcerative-necrotic lesions, gum hypertrophy, detachment of mucosal areas, and others appear. The main cause of gingivitis is insufficient oral hygiene, which leads to the proliferation of bacteria. The periodontist usually prescribes conservative treatment, including removing plaque from teeth, using antiseptics, and antibiotics.
Periodontitis. Inflammatory periodontal disease, predominantly of an infectious nature. With periodontitis, destruction of the dentogingival ligaments occurs, and destruction of bone tissue develops. As the disease progresses, teeth begin to loosen and fall out. The disease is classified as polyetiological, since various reasons can lead to its development. Most often, the pathology develops due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque. In addition, periodontitis can occur due to poor heredity or gum injury. It often accompanies diabetes mellitus and is detected in hormonal disorders and other pathologies. A periodontist dentist, examining the mouth and jaw area, identifies the presence of periodontal pockets, bleeding, redness, swelling of the mucous membranes, and a heavy odor from the mouth.
cavities. There is plaque on the teeth. Pus may be discharged from periodontal pockets. There is an exposure of the cervical zones of the segments, displacement of the teeth in the row, and their loosening. Treatment in the early stages is conservative, later - invasive.
Periodontal disease. Non-inflammatory disease of periodontal tissues, characterized by a chronic course. The pathogenesis is based on circulatory dysfunction in the vessels supplying the periodontium. Violation of tissue trophism leads to the development of atrophic processes in the gum and bone tissues. Other causes of periodontal disease: malocclusion, smoking, decreased local immunity, hormonal imbalance, disruption of periodontal innervation, etc. The clinical picture of periodontal disease depends on the stage of the disease. Main symptoms: gum recession, pallor of the mucous membranes, increased spaces between units, their loosening. Bleeding gums are not typical for periodontal disease.

Treatment is aimed at strengthening the periodontium with the help of hygienic measures, drug therapy, and physiotherapy. If the degree is significant, the periodontist will suggest the surgeon

logical, orthopedic correction.

Features of the treatment of dental periostitis

To treat tooth flux, conservative and surgical methods are used. The choice of treatment method depends on the causes and degree of neglect of the disease.

The conservative method (without surgery) is used:

at the initial stage;
caused by weak immunity;
due to other inflammations in the body.

For non-surgical treatment of flux, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs and physiotherapy are used. The tooth is not removed, but the gum is cut in the area of swelling and drainage is installed.

In the case of purulent inflammation associated with dental diseases (odontogenic periostitis), or when conservative treatment is ineffective, surgical intervention is used.

Causes of diseases of the oral mucosa

Diseases of the oral mucosa occur throughout life in an average of 5-10% of the population.

Their cause may be:

Traumatic damage to the tissues of the oral cavity and other traumatic effects (chemical, thermal, etc.) with the development of traumatic erosion, ulcers, leukoplakia or leukokeratosis (keratinization of an area of the mucous membrane capable of malignant degeneration).
Infectious diseases that affect the oral mucosa due to the penetration of viruses, spirochetes, bacteria, and fungi.

Quite often, the occurrence of pathological changes in the oral mucosa is associated with disruption of the functioning of various organs and systems of the body: allergies, dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, endocrine disorders, systemic connective tissue diseases, blood diseases, dermatoses, tuberculosis, AIDS and some other conditions. It is often quite difficult to identify the true cause of pathology of the oral mucosa - a lot of experience, high professionalism, and the ability not only to carefully collect information, but also to interpret it correctly and draw appropriate conclusions are required. Experienced medical dentists will quickly understand the intricacies of the existing manifestations of the disease in relation to a specific patient, determine the cause of the disorder and prescribe highly effective treatment.

Stages of surgical treatment of flux:

anesthesia (usually local);
opening the focus of suppuration (gum incision);
removal of pus;
drainage (installation of drainage to ensure the outflow of inflammatory fluid);
X-ray (to determine the cause of periostitis);
removal of a diseased tooth or drug treatment.

In addition, for acute purulent periostitis, antibiotics, physiotherapy and painkillers are usually prescribed. Treating periostitis with antibiotics at home without consulting a doctor can cause side effects and resistance of pathogenic bacteria to the drug.

Treatment of various types of periostitis

Treatment of serous periostitis

Serous periostitis can occur due to jaw trauma. No special therapy is required to treat serous periostitis. At this stage, it is possible to clean the dental canal and create the opportunity for the independent release of fluid (exudate) during inflammation.

Treatment of acute purulent periostitis

In the case of acute purulent periostitis, the dentist cuts the gum, removes the pus and drains the suppuration. When draining, the tip of a rubber strip (drainage) is inserted into the cavity at the incision site. Drainage prevents the wound from healing too quickly and allows fluid to drain out. It is advisable to remove a diseased tooth, the source of infection of acute periostitis, if:

severely damaged crown;
obstruction of root canals;
lost functionality;
ineffectiveness of the non-surgical method;
mobility.

In other cases, it is recommended to eliminate the relevant causes of infection (for example, inflammation of the tonsils and throat), as well as restore the immune system. The most effective approach to the treatment of acute purulent periostitis is complex therapy, combining surgery, drug therapy and physical therapy.

Treatment of diffuse periostitis

Diffuse periostitis is characterized by widespread infection, not limited to a local focus. This is a severe type of disease. As a rule, the patient needs the help of maxillofacial surgeons. In stationary conditions, an operation is performed to remove part of the periosteum or bone. Treatment of diffuse periostitis is complemented by drug therapy and detoxification.

Treatment of chronic periostitis

Chronic periostitis is a sluggish infection typical of patients with impaired immunity. If disease is present, the inflamed area is cleaned and physical therapy is prescribed to reduce symptoms and eliminate infection. In particularly difficult cases, the treatment of chronic periostitis may require serious surgical intervention to completely remove diseased tissue. In addition, with this form of flux, it is important to carry out therapy with vitamins and means to strengthen the immune system. An integrated approach stimulates an increase in the body's immunity.

Diagnosis of oral diseases

Diagnosis of stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity is based on a thorough clinical examination of the patient by a dentist, which makes it possible to determine the stage of the pathological process and its prevalence, and the presence of a general reaction of the body to inflammation. It is very important to establish the true cause of the disease (trauma, infection, allergy, pathology of internal organs, hypovitaminosis, etc.), because the effectiveness of treatment and the absence of exacerbations in the future will depend on this. To do this, in a medical clinic, when recurrent stomatitis is detected, if necessary, a thorough additional examination is carried out with the involvement of relevant specialists - an allergist-immunologist, gastroenterologist, hematologist, endocrinologist, and laboratory and instrumental studies are performed.

Treatment of periostitis with physical factors

The complex approach to the treatment of periostitis is complemented by the use of therapeutic physical factors:

ultra-high-frequency therapy (an electromagnetic field, or UHF, acts as a therapeutic factor in inflammatory processes);
magnetic applicators (magnetotherapeutic treatment of inflammatory processes);
medicinal electrophoresis (using an electric current of low voltage and low strength, a medicinal substance is introduced into the body as an additional therapeutic factor);
helium-neon laser rays (have anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, regenerative effects).

Treatment of diseases of the oral mucosa

Etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease (antiviral, antibacterial therapy for the infectious nature of stomatitis, glossitis, cheilitis, vitamin therapy for hypovitaminosis, treatment of the underlying disease that caused the appearance of a pathological process on the oral mucosa);
Local treatment aimed at eliminating local traumatic factors, the main symptoms of the disease and the rapid healing of existing erosions and ulcers;
A general strengthening treatment that stimulates the body's defenses.

An early visit to a dentist when identifying the first signs of pathology in the oral mucosa is the key to a speedy recovery!

Treatment of gumboil with folk remedies

In order not to harm the body, folk remedies for treating flux can only be used for temporary pain relief or as a supplement during the recovery period.

Infusions of oak bark, sage, St. John's wort, and calendula are used to rinse the mouth (strictly warm solutions).
Chamomile flower tea is taken orally and is also used as a mouth rinse.
Honey or honey propolis products are used to lubricate the gums.

In case of treating periostitis at home, you should consult a doctor. In any case, you should not postpone a surgical visit to the dentist when the first symptoms of gumboil appear on the gums or replace medical therapy with self-medication. When treating flux only with folk remedies, inflammation can spread further or develop into chronic periostitis.

With a timely and comprehensive approach to the treatment of periostitis, the disease is successfully cured. However, full recovery will require the help of a qualified dentist, medical procedures and medications.

The main manifestations of diseases of the oral mucosa

There is a common name for inflammatory diseases of the oral mucosa - stomatitis. When the pathological process is localized on the tongue, they talk about glossitis, on the gums - about gingivitis, on the lips - about cheilitis. A characteristic manifestation of stomatitis is the appearance on the oral mucosa of foci of redness, blisters, erosions (afts) or ulcers covered with plaque. These lesions are most often detected on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and tip of the tongue. Often there is pain at the location of erosions and ulcers, enlargement of nearby lymph nodes, and sometimes an increase in body temperature. The average duration of the disease is 7-14 days. Stomatitis can recur with decreased immunity, poor diet, hypovitaminosis, infectious diseases, and exacerbations are more common in spring and autumn.