Mouth and Gum conditions Flashcards
What is leukoplakia
White patches in the mouth, often on the tongue or insides of the cheeks.
What can leukoplakia and erythroplakia predispose to
Precancerous increasing the risk of SCC of the mouth
Presentation of leukoplakia
Asympomatic patches, irregular and slightly raised. They are fixed in place, meaning they cannot be scraped off
Management of leukoplakia
Stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, close monitoring and potential laser removal surgery or surgical excision
What is erythroplakia
Red patches in the mouth
What is lichen planus
Autoimmune condition that causes localised chronic inflammation of the skin
Presentation of lichen planus
Shiny, purplish, flat-topped raised areas with white lines across the surface called Wickham’s striae. Often only affects the mouth.
Common age that lichen planus effects
Patients over 45 and more common in women
Three patterns of lichen planus
Reticular, erosive, plaque
Reticular pattern of lichen planus
Net-like web of white lines called Wickhams striae
Erosive pattern of lichen planus
Lesions are where the surface layer of the mucosa is eroded, leaving bright red and sore areas of mucosa.
Plaque pattern of lichen planus
larger continuous areas of white mucosa
Manage of lichen planus
Good oral hygiene, stopping smoking and topical steroids
What is gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums
Presentation of gingivitis
Swollen gums, bleeding after brushing, painful gums and bad breath.
What can happen if gingivitis is not managed
Periodontitis
What is periodonitis
Severe and chronic inflammation of the gums and the tissues which support the teeth
What can periodonitis lead to
Loss of teeth
What is acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis
Rapid onset of severe inflammation in the gums. Presents similarly to gingivitisi but is very painful
Risk factors for gingivitis
Plaue build up on teeth, smoking, diabetes, malnutrition, stress
Treatment of gingivitis
Good oral hygiene, stopping smoking, dental treatment, chlorhexidine mouth wash, Abx for acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis
What is gingival hyperplasia
Abnormal growth of gums, notably enlarged around the teeth
Causes of gingival hyperplasia
Gingivitis, pregnancy, Vit C deficiency, acute myeloid leukaemia, medications (calcium channel blockers, phenytoin, ciclosporin)
What are aphthous ulcers
Very common painful ulcers of the mouth mucosa
What underlying disease can aphthous ulcers indicate
IBD, coeliac disease, Behcet disease, Vit deficiency, HIV
Topical treatments to treat symptoms
Choline salicyclate, Benzydamine, Lidocaine
Treatments for more severe ulcers
Hydrocortisone buccal tablets, betamethasone soluble tablets, beclometasone inhaler spray
