Final answer:
Attached gingiva should appear firm, coral pink, and not bleed. In gingivitis, it becomes red and swollen, while in periodontitis and trench mouth, severe symptoms including receding gums, erosion, and ulcers can occur, potentially leading to tooth and bone loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clinical Appearance of Attached Gingiva
The clinical appearance of attached gingiva refers to the gums that are firmly attached to the jawbone around the teeth. Healthy attached gingiva has a firm texture, is coral pink in color, and does not bleed upon probing. In conditions such as gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, the attached gingiva may appear red, swollen, and may bleed when disturbed due to microbial infection. As the condition progresses to periodontitis, the gums may recede, exposing more of the tooth than normal and potentially leading to bone and tooth loss. In the case of advanced periodontitis, the infection can spread to the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, posing a serious risk of tooth loss.
Trench mouth, also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, presents with further complications such as severe gum erosion, ulcers, and halitosis. The gingiva in this stage is inflamed and ulcerated, requiring prompt medical intervention and often the use of antibiotics such as amoxicillin or doxycycline.
Proper dental hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and potentially the use of antibiotics are important for managing and treating these periodontal diseases, thus maintaining the integrity and health of attached gingiva.