Question

"Patient: 68-year-old man

Chief complaint: ""My gums are bleeding.""
Background/or patient history: Experiencing chronic homelessness for the past 10 years
Severe alcohol use disorder
Current Findings: Partially edentulous, Gingiva is red, swollen, and bleeds on probing, Petechiae and larger bruises noticed on forearms, and Blood tests reveal low levels of vitamin C

Besides the gingiva, which other areas of the body might be affected (select all that apply)
a. Dermis
b. Ligaments
c. Bone"

Answer 1

Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can affect the gums, ligaments, and bone supporting the teeth.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the gums are bleeding, it indicates a condition called gingivitis, which is inflammation and erosion of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis can affect not only the gums but also other areas of the body. In the case of the 68-year-old man described, besides the gingiva, the other areas that might be affected are the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth. In advanced cases of periodontitis, the infection can spread to these structures, leading to tooth loss and the need for surgical removal.