Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a serious infection of the gums that causes ulcers, swelling, and dead tissues in the mouth. Although a very 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, lack of dental care, a virus, and poor diet.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for ANUG include:
Lack of dental care and overall poor dental hygiene
Poor diet
Vitamin deficiencies
Infections in the throat, teeth, or mouth
Compromised immune system
Smoking
Stress
Age: 35 years or younger
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your dentist.
Pain in the gums
Gums that bleed easily
Bad taste in mouth, extremely bad breath
Red and swollen gums
Gray residue on the gums
Large ulcers or loss of gum tissue in between teeth
Talk with your dentist about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Antibiotics to clear up the infection
Dental surgery
Improved diet
Regular dental cleanings
Changes in diet
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of getting ANUG, take the following steps:
Maintain a balanced, nutritional diet.
Take proper care of teeth and gums.
See your dentist regularly.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Periodontology http://www.perio.org
American Dental Association http://www.ada.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dental Association http://www.cda-adc.ca/
Canadian Dental Hygienists Association http://www.cdha.ca/
References:
Contreras A, Falkler WA Jr, Enwonwu CO, et al. Herman herpesviridae in acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis in children in Nigeria.
Oral Microbiol Immunol.
1997;12:259-265.
DynaMed website. Available at:
http://dynamed101.epnet.com/Detail.aspx?id=116031.
Marquette University School of Dentistry website. Available at:
http://www.dental.mu.edu/oralpath/lesions/AcuteNecrotizingUlcerativeGingivitis/acutenecrotizingulcerativeging.htm.
Schreiner C, Quinn FB. Stomatitis. University of Texas Medical Branch website. Available at:
http://www.utmb.edu/otoref/grnds/stomatitis.htm.
US National Library of Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001044.htm.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
