Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (GUNA) is a serious inflammation of the gums that causes very painful wounds that bleed and can end up making chewing difficult. In addition, bad breath, swollen gums and fever are common.
GUNA occurs when bacteria, naturally present in the mouth, develop in excess. Therefore, it is more common in people who have poor hygiene habits, carry the HIV virus or who use immunosuppressive medications.
It is important that the dentist is consulted as soon as the symptoms of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis appear, as this allows treatment to be started quickly, which is normally done by cleaning the mouth and using antibiotics.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (GUNA) are:
- Gum swelling;
- Wounds around the teeth;
- Dark or red gums;
- Severe pain in gums and teeth;
- Gum bleeding;
- Sensation of bitter taste in the mouth;
- Persistent bad breath;
- Fever, in some cases.
Sores can also appear on the inside of the cheek, tongue or roof of the mouth, especially in people with the HIV virus or when treatment is not started quickly.
Therefore, as soon as the symptoms of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis appear, it is important to consult a dentist or general practitioner to make a diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is made by the dentist or a general practitioner only by observing the mouth and evaluating the person’s history. However, there are cases in which the doctor may order a laboratory test to analyze the type of bacteria present in the mouth, in order to better adapt the treatment.
Who is most at risk
Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is a rare situation, but it can happen more easily in the following situations:
- HIV virus infection;
- Use of immunosuppressive medications;
- Maus oral hygiene habits;
- Stress;
- Nutritionally poor food.
Furthermore, this type of gingivitis is more common in people who smoke regularly.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis usually begins with delicate cleaning of the wounds and gums at the dentist to eliminate excess bacteria and facilitate healing. The dentist may also recommend the use of antibiotics for around 7 days to ensure the bacteria are eliminated.
In some cases, it may also be recommended to use an antiseptic mouthwash 3 times a day, to help control the number of bacteria in the mouth, in addition to maintaining adequate oral hygiene.
See in more detail how gingivitis is treated in the following video:
