Friable gingiva describes gum tissue that is fragile, easily damaged, and bleeds readily. It's often a sign of underlying inflammation or disease.
Essentially, "friable" means easily crumbled or broken apart. In the context of gingiva (gums), it indicates that the tissue has lost its normal resilience and structural integrity. This can manifest as:
- Redness: Increased blood flow due to inflammation causes the gums to appear redder than normal.
- Swelling: Inflammatory processes lead to fluid accumulation, causing the gums to swell.
- Bleeding: Even gentle probing or brushing can induce bleeding because the tissue is so fragile.
- Tenderness: The gums are often sensitive to touch.
- Loss of stippling: Healthy gums have a slightly "orange peel" texture called stippling. Inflammation can cause this to disappear, making the gums appear smooth and shiny.
Friable gingiva is not a diagnosis in itself but rather a clinical sign associated with various conditions. One common example is:
- Desquamative Gingivitis (DG): This condition presents with reddish, glazed, and friable gingiva due to loss of the superficial epithelium (outermost layer of gum tissue). DG is a clinical manifestation of several underlying diseases, including lichen planus, pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris.
Other potential causes of friable gingiva include:
- Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums, often caused by poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup.
- Periodontitis: Advanced gum disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins can weaken gum tissue.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause can affect gum health.
- Certain medications: Some drugs can cause gum inflammation as a side effect.
If you experience friable gingiva, it is essential to consult a dentist or periodontist for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate interventions to restore gum health. This may involve improved oral hygiene practices, scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), medication, or other specialized treatments depending on the specific condition.
