Introduction
At Central Park Dental in Mansfield, TX, Dr. Jiyoung Jung provides compassionate, patient-centered care for a variety of oral health concerns. Two conditions that often require specialized attention are herpetic gingivostomatitis and gingival abfractions. With her expertise in holistic dentistry and advanced preventive solutions like the Preventive Oral Device (POD®), Dr. Jung ensures her patients receive effective, customized care. This article delves into these conditions, their causes, and how Central Park Dental can help you achieve lasting oral health.

Part 1: Herpetic Gingivostomatitis – A Viral Challenge

What Is Herpetic Gingivostomatitis?
Herpetic gingivostomatitis (HG) is an oral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It commonly affects children under six years old but can also occur in adults with weakened immune systems. The condition manifests as painful sores in the mouth, swollen gums, and flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms of HG:

• Painful ulcers on the gums, tongue, or inside the cheeks
• Swollen, red gums that may bleed easily
• Fever and general fatigue
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Bad breath

Causes and Transmission:
HG is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with infected saliva or lesions. Sharing utensils, cups, or even a kiss can transmit the virus. Once contracted, HSV-1 remains dormant in the body and may reactivate under stress or illness.

Treatment at Central Park Dental:
Dr. Jung emphasizes a comprehensive approach to managing HG:

1. Accurate Diagnosis: Through careful examination, she differentiates HG from other conditions like canker sores or hand-foot-and-mouth disease.
2. Symptom Management: Treatment focuses on relieving pain and promoting healing with recommendations for soothing oral rinses and hydration strategies.
3. Education for Prevention: Patients and caregivers are educated on minimizing HSV-1 transmission and maintaining overall oral hygiene to prevent secondary infections.

Part 2: Gingival Abfractions – A Structural Concern

What Are Gingival Abfractions?
Gingival abfractions are small V-shaped notches that form near the gumline due to mechanical stress on teeth rather than decay. These lesions often result from excessive force during brushing, clenching, or grinding (bruxism).

Symptoms of Abfractions:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Gum recession near affected teeth
• Visible notches at the gumline

Causes of Gingival Abfractions:

• Bruxism (Grinding): Chronic grinding exerts undue pressure on teeth, leading to structural damage.
• Aggressive Brushing: Using hard-bristled toothbrushes or improper techniques can wear down enamel near the gumline.
• Misaligned Bite: Uneven pressure distribution during chewing can weaken tooth structure over time.

Part 3: Advanced Solutions at Central Park Dental

Dr. Jung offers tailored treatments to address both herpetic gingivostomatitis and gingival abfractions while focusing on long-term prevention.

For Herpetic Gingivostomatitis:

• Gentle care for symptom relief using non-invasive methods.
• Guidance on maintaining hydration and nutrition during outbreaks to support healing.

For Gingival Abfractions:

1. Comprehensive Examination: Dr. Jung conducts thorough evaluations to identify underlying causes such as bruxism or improper brushing habits.
2. Preventive Oral Device (POD®): Rather than traditional nightguards, Dr. Jung recommends the Preventive Oral Device (POD®) for patients experiencing bruxism-related abfractions or TMJ dysfunction:
   • The POD® is a custom-made mandibular splint designed to reduce clenching and grinding forces while protecting teeth from further damage.
   • Its patented Unilateral BiteBlock Technology® minimizes muscle tension by reducing occlusal contact points, alleviating jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ-related discomfort.
   • The device also promotes better tongue posture and airway health by creating more space for the tongue during sleep.
3. Patient Education: Dr. Jung provides personalized guidance on proper brushing techniques to prevent further enamel damage and gum recession.
4. Restorative Care: For severe cases of abfraction damage, restorative options like dental bonding may be recommended to protect exposed dentin and restore tooth structure.

Part 4: The Central Park Dental Difference

At Central Park Dental in Mansfield, TX, Dr. Jiyoung Jung combines her expertise in holistic dentistry with cutting-edge solutions like the Preventive Oral Device (POD®) to provide exceptional care for complex dental issues.

Why Choose Us?

• Holistic Approach: Dr. Jung’s background in child psychology ensures compassionate care for patients of all ages while addressing oral health in connection with overall well-being.
• Preventive Focus: From education on brushing techniques to innovative tools like the POD®, our practice emphasizes prevention over reactive treatment.
• Patient-Centered Care: Every treatment plan is customized to meet your unique needs and goals.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Oral Health Today

Herpetic gingivostomatitis and gingival abfractions require more than temporary fixes—they demand a dentist who understands their complexities and treats them holistically. At Central Park Dental in Mansfield, TX, Dr. Jiyoung Jung is committed to helping you achieve long-term oral health through personalized care and advanced solutions like the Preventive Oral Device (POD®).

Don’t let pain or discomfort hold you back—call us today at 817-466-1200 to schedule your appointment! Together, we’ll create a proactive plan to protect your smile and enhance your overall well-being.