Entamoeba gingivalis, or oral amoeba, lives in the oral cavity (on the teeth, tonsils of the palate, in the alveoli, in plaque) and belongs to the simplest parasites. As a rule, this microorganism feeds on fungi and bacteria and reaches 60 micrometers in length. Gingival amoeba develops in people suffering from various pathologies of the oral cavity, for example, caries. The treatment of the parasite is carried out in combination with the treatment of other diseases and consists in the use of topical medications, rinses and oral use of medicines.
Life Cycle of Oral Amoeba
Basically, only a person can be the owner of a microorganism. Sometimes gum amoeba is found in the jaws of horses, cats and dogs, as well as in monkeys living in zoos. It should be noted that the life cycle of the parasite consists only of the trophozoite stage. Sometimes Entamoeba gingivalis has one pseudopod, but most often pseudopodia are a means of transportation.
Reproduction of the parasite occurs by simple division of the nucleus - two daughter cells are formed from one mother. The parasite is unable to live outside the oral cavity. The structure of the oral amoeba allows it to go to the stage of cysts with adverse factors. At this moment, it is covered with a strong shell and draws in pseudopodia.
How can you get infected
Infection with gingival amoeba occurs by airborne droplets, that is, a parasite can enter the body along with microscopic droplets of mucus and saliva during coughing or sneezing. Also, infection with a simple oral amoeba can occur when using one toothbrush, kissing or eating food from the same dishes with an infected person.
Symptoms
Experts believe that Entamoeba gingivalis is not a parasitic microorganism, but nevertheless it is often found in inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.
With weakened immunity, the amoeba provokes diseases such as gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis and other pathologies of the oral mucosa. As a rule, these diseases affect young children. Recently, cases of infection with oral amoeba are increasingly recorded in adults.
Stomatitis
After infection with a parasite, a small round ulcer appears soon on the oral mucosa. In appearance, it is surrounded by a halo, and in the central part a white film is clearly visible. During this period, an unpleasant burning sensation appears in the mouth, and the infected areas turn red and swell. Sometimes during infection, body temperature may increase, bleeding gums and salivation may increase. With stomatitis, eating becomes problematic, as chewing food brings pain, and a bad smell appears from the mouth.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without violating the integrity of the connection of the teeth with the gingival tissue. This process is most often caused by an oral amoeba. As a rule, the disease appears with a decrease in immunity. Most often, the parasite causes gingivitis in preschool children who take toys and dirty fingers in their mouths. Also, the disease can be a secondary complication of caries. If pathology is not treated, there is a great risk of developing periodontitis and tooth loss.
Gingivitis can occur in both acute and chronic form. Exacerbation most often occurs in autumn and winter. You should know that the acute stage proceeds against the background of inflammation and swelling of the gums, most often blood oozes at the site of the lesion. During a severe form of the disease, necrotic tissue damage, as well as ulcers, can form. As a rule, the patient experiences pain in the gums, a bad breath appears, and an increase in body temperature is possible.
Glossitis
This disease, provoked during the developmental cycle of the oral amoeba, most often appears in adults. Glossit is characterized by a change in the structure of the language. It becomes soft, increases and changes color from pink to burgundy. Patients experience severe burning sensation and pain when swallowing and chewing food. In some cases, the tongue swells so much that it becomes difficult to breathe. The main signs of the disease are considered;
- increased salivation;
- decreased or loss of taste;
- tongue coating;
- bad feeling;
- fatigue.
Analyzes
To determine the involvement in the disease of the oral amoeba, laboratory tests are performed. To do this, take a smear from the oral cavity, as well as scraping from the teeth. After which a study is carried out under the microscope of biological material. If necessary, an additional serological test can be performed.
Treatment
To get rid of the microorganism, you must consult a doctor. After passing all the tests and confirming the presence of oral amoeba, the specialist prescribes the appropriate therapy. Treatment of the disease includes the use of topical preparations and special conditioners. Often used folk remedies: infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants.
Preparations
The duration of treatment depends on personal hygiene during therapy. When undergoing a treatment course, it is necessary to constantly clean your teeth and tongue from plaque. During this period, it is not recommended to eat solid and hot dishes. As medicines use: "Chlorhexidine", a solution of potassium permanganate and "Furacilin".
Rotokan is used to disinfect the mouth, and Iruksol is used to treat ulcers. If the patient complains of pain, "Anestezin", "Lidocaine" and similar drugs are prescribed. Modern pharmacology produces many gels and sprays that can effectively fight the parasite.
It must be understood that self-treatment of diseases of the mouth caused by oral amoeba can lead to negative consequences, up to tooth loss. Therefore, if the first signs occur, you should consult a doctor.
Folk remedies
The first recipe. Thirty grams of chamomile and sage mixed with twenty grams of celandine and bay leaves, pour the mixture with boiling water and insist for two hours. Apply to rinse the mouth in the morning and evening.
The second recipe. Therapeutic broth that helps relieve burning: thirty grams of oak bark, calamus root and nettle leaves pour half a liter of cold water and bring to a boil over low heat. Boil for half an hour, then add a tablespoon of sage and strain, having previously insisted 10 minutes. Rinse the broth with your mouth three times a day.
The third recipe. One tablespoon of colza, eucalyptus leaves and calendula flowers, pour three glasses of water and boil for twenty minutes. After cool. Rinse the mouth after decoction. This tool has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Conclusion
Gingival amoeba causes unpleasant diseases of the oral cavity. With the right therapy, the parasite is easily treatable. Self-medication is not recommended, this can lead to serious complications.