What is ANUG in dentistry?
Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), which is also known as trench mouth or Vincent’s Stomatitis, is a painful bacterial infection and ulceration of the gums. The term “trench mouth” comes from World War I, when the disorder was common among soldiers.
What is the treatment for ANUG?
Treatment of ANUG is by removal of dead gum tissue and antibiotics (usually metronidazole) in the acute phase, and improving oral hygiene to prevent recurrence. Although the condition has a rapid onset and is debilitating, it usually resolves quickly and does no serious harm.
Why do people get ANUG?
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) occurs most frequently in smokers and debilitated patients who are under stress. Other risk factors are poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, immunodeficiency (eg, HIV/AIDS, use of immunosuppressive drugs), and sleep deprivation.
Why is ANUG called trench mouth?
Trench mouth is an infection that causes swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingivae). The term trench mouth comes from World War I, when this infection was common among soldiers “in the trenches.”
How serious is ANUG?
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a rapidly destructive, non-communicable microbial disease of the gingiva in the context of an impaired host immune response. It is characterized by the sudden onset of inflammation, pain, and the presence of “punched-out” crater-like lesions of the papillary gingiva.
How long does it take to treat ANUG?
Taken together with chlorhexidine, a prescription antibacterial mouthrinse, and saline (mild saltwater) rinses, symptoms should abate within 24 to 48 hours. It is also important to treat the underlying conditions that led to the ANUG in the first place.
How does stress cause ANUG?
A link was established between NUG and psychogenic factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression in the 1970s [11]. These factors predispose to NUG by promoting bacterial growth and/or decreasing host defenses [12]. This decrease would result in increased levels of corticosteroids and catecholamines via ANS.
What does ANUG smell like?
Diagnosis of ANUG When the breath smells extremely foul, dentists sometimes suspect the diagnosis of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) immediately, as soon as they come into contact with affected people. Other times the diagnosis is evident from the appearance of the mouth and gums.
What bacteria causes necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis?
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, otherwise known as Vincent’s angina or trench mouth, is caused by an imbalance in the normal flora of the gingival sulcus with predominant presence of the spirochete Borrelia vincentii and the gram-negative bacillus Fusiformis fusiform.
How do you treat ANUG at home?
Treatment of ANUG At home, people are instructed to rinse with salt water, a hydrogen peroxide solution (ordinary drugstore hydrogen peroxide mixed half-and-half with water), or chlorhexidine (an antiseptic). Rinsing may be recommended instead of brushing for the first few days because of the sensitivity of the gums.
Is ANUG reversible?
Gingivitis often develops into ANUG when certain mouth conditions exist: poor diet, smoking, which can dry the mouth and disrupt healthy bacterial flora, and increased stress or anxiety. If caught early, though, ANUG is highly treatable and reversible.
What are the symptoms of ANUG?
Usually, ANUG begins abruptly with painful and bleeding gums, excessive saliva production, and sometimes extremely foul-smelling breath. People may also have a fever and feel ill. The tips of the gums between the teeth appear punched-out and become sores (ulcers) covered with a gray layer of dead tissue.