What Is Acute Necrotizing Gingivitis?
It is an infection in the oral cavity that causes necrosis of the gums.
It is also called trench mouth, Vincent's infection, and acute ulcerative gingivitis.
Acute necrotizing gingivitis affects the gums and may cause pain, tenderness, ulceration, spontaneous bleeding and unpleasant mouth odour.
Causes
- It is caused by fusiform bacilli and spirochetes.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Improper dental restoration.
- Tobacco smoking.
- Stress.
- Nutritional deficiency such as vitamin B and vitamin C deficiency.
- Diseases such as leukemia, HIV, anemia and syphilis.
Signs and Symptoms
The patient complains of pain and tenderness in the gums.
It may also be associated with a metallic taste and loss of taste sensation.
- Sometimes spontaneous bleeding of gums is also noticed.
- A typical unpleasant odour or bad breath is emitted from the mouth.
Effects on Teeth and Gums
- Teeth may become sensitive to pressure and start to move slightly.
- The patient may find difficulty in eating.
- Gums in between the teeth become blunt.
- Ulceration develops in the interdental gum area and around the margins of the gums.
- The lesion is covered by a pseudomembrane, which is a thin film containing dead cells, debris and bacteria.
Progression of the Condition
If the condition progresses, it can lead to destruction of the periodontium, which consists of the supporting structures of the teeth.
- Ulceration may also develop on the cheek, lip, tongue, palate and pharynx.
- Mild to moderate fever may occur.
- Enlargement of lymph nodes may be seen.
Management
Removal of Pseudomembrane
Removal of the pseudomembrane is one of the management steps described for acute necrotizing gingivitis.
Mouth Rinsing
Rinsing of the mouth forms part of the management of the affected oral tissues.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics mentioned in the source include:
- Penicillin
- Metronidazole
- Erythromycin
Gum Treatment
Curettage of the gums and scaling may be performed. Complete gum curettage and root planing may also form part of treatment.
Fluids and Nutrition
Plenty of fluid consumption and appropriate nutritional supplements are also mentioned as part of management.
Antibiotics and other medicines should only be taken after examination and prescription by an appropriate healthcare professional.
When to Visit a Dentist
Painful or bleeding gums, unpleasant mouth odour, ulceration, difficulty eating or changes in the gums should be evaluated by a dental professional.
Timely dental examination can help assess the gums and determine the appropriate management based on the patient's condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acute necrotizing gingivitis?
It is an infection of the oral cavity that causes necrosis of the gums. It is also known as trench mouth, Vincent's infection and acute ulcerative gingivitis.
What causes acute necrotizing gingivitis?
The source associates it with fusiform bacilli and spirochetes, along with factors such as poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress and nutritional deficiency.
What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms mentioned include gum pain and tenderness, metallic taste, spontaneous gum bleeding, unpleasant mouth odour and difficulty eating.
How is acute necrotizing gingivitis managed?
Management described in the source includes removal of the pseudomembrane, mouth rinsing, antibiotics, scaling, gum curettage, root planing, fluids and nutritional support.
