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Is Dentistry A Bacterial Infection?

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Abstract Dentistry is defined as the science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the teeth, gums, and related structures of the mouth including the repair or replacement of defective tissue. (American Dental Association). What people do not know is how virtually every disease that one acquires or develops can be identified primarily in the mouth first. Dentist and Dental Hygienist are educated to be able to recognize what are variants of normal and what are not. There are several diseases all with different or similar appearances, symptoms, and side effects. This paper is going to be focusing on one particular infection, Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis and how it is developed and treated. The Disease Itself Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (NUG) is a bacterial infection that is composed of bacillus and spirochete bacteria (Borrelia vincentii). Borrelia vincentii resides in the oral cavity where it is harmless under normal conditions. When the bacteria are altered and able to grow past normal conditions is when it can be harmful. NUG is also known as Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) and Trench Mouth. One may interchangeably use these terms, but the correct way to identify this infection is NUG because the condition is more chronic than acute. Trench Mouth derived from World War One when soldiers developed the infection living in the trenches. Factors that cause or contribute to NUG are stress, poor diet and

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