Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a serious gum infection characterized by painful ulcers, swelling, and necrotic tissue in the mouth. This condition often arises from an overgrowth of bacteria, which can be triggered by factors such as poor oral hygiene, stress, smoking, inadequate nutrition, and certain infections. Individuals most at risk tend to be younger adults, particularly those under thirty-five years old, who may experience symptoms like gum pain, bleeding, foul breath, and visible ulcers.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough dental examination to identify inflamed gums and ulcerative lesions. Treatment may include antibiotics to combat the infection, dental surgery, dietary adjustments, and improved oral hygiene practices. Preventative measures focus on maintaining a balanced diet and regularly visiting the dentist. While ANUG can be a painful and distressing condition, effective treatment can lead to healing and recovery.
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Gums, mouth, tissue
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Trench mouth, Vincent’s angina, Vincent’s stomatitis
Definition
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a serious infection of the gums that causes ulcers, swelling, and dead tissues in the mouth. Although a painful condition, it can be healed with treatment.
Causes
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is typically caused by excess bacteria in the mouth. Too much bacteria can form in the mouth from smoking, stress, a lack of dental care, a virus, and a poor diet.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for ANUG include lack of dental care and overall poor dental hygiene; a poor diet; vitamin deficiencies; infections in the throat, teeth, or mouth; a compromised immune system; smoking; stress; and age thirty-five years or younger.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ANUG include pain in the gums, gums that bleed easily, bad taste in the mouth, extremely bad breath, red and swollen gums, gray residue on the gums, large ulcers or loss of gum tissue between teeth, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Screening and Diagnosis
The dental examination will include a search for inflammation of the gums, destroyed gum tissue, and crater-like ulcers in the gums that may harbor plaque and debris from food. The exam might also include dental and facial X-rays.
Treatment and Therapy
Treatment options for ANUG include antibiotics to clear up the infection, dental surgery, an improved diet and diet changes, and regular dental cleanings. Other treatments include debridement and hydrogen peroxide rinses.
Prevention and Outcomes
To help reduce the chance of getting ANUG, one should maintain a balanced, nutritional diet and should take proper care of teeth and gums, which includes regular dentist visits.
Bibliography
Contreras, A., et al. “Human Herpesviridae in Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis in Children in Nigeria.” Oral Microbiology and Immunology 12 (1997): 259-265.
Langlais, Robert P., and Craig S. Miller. Color Atlas of Common Oral Diseases. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2009.
Sutton, Amy L., ed. Dental Care and Oral Health Sourcebook. 3d ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2008.
Ubertalli, James T. "Acute Necrotizing ulcerative Gingivitis." Merck Manual, Apr. 2024, www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/periodontal-disorders/acute-necrotizing-ulcerative-gingivitis-anug. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.