Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis or ANUG sounds like a serious disease. It is, and only a licensed dentist should treat it. ANUG is a type of periodontal condition – a set of dental problems involving the gums. The mildest and most common form of this disease is gingivitis or inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup. In most cases, gum disease manifests during mid-life, between the ages of 30 and 40.
Which is the culprit?
Are you aware that gum disease is due to bacteria? It is important to understand the role bacteria plays in oral health, so you can protect yourself and your family and avoid the problems associated with ANUG and other periodontal diseases.
When there are bacteria in the plaque that accumulates along the gum line, the body initiates inflammatory processes as a defensive response. When the infection spreads, the fibrous periodontal ligament and even the alveolar bone may be involved, therefore requiring more invasive and expensive treatment methods.
Good vs. bad bacteria
Bacterial populations in the mouth can be divided into two groups—gram-positive aerobic bacteria and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. The latter is associated with inflammatory disease of the gums. Some types of bacteria are directly involved in periodontal disease, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
A dentist who practices periodontics in Springville can identify signs of gum disease and recommend the right treatment plan.
Signs to watch out for
Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of the gums. It is the earliest sign of gum disease, manifesting with redness, swelling, and in some cases, bleeding. Good oral hygiene combined with the use of anti-bacterial mouthwash can help resolve the problem. If left untreated, this issue can lead to chronic inflammation and alveolar bone damage.
Remember that untreated gingivitis develops into periodontitis. You and your loved ones will not have to suffer if you go to the dentist for early and effective management of oral health problems.