ANUG – What is it and How can I treat

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), also known as trench mouth, is a severe gum infection that can cause damage to the tissues in and around the gums. The condition is characterized by sudden onset, painful swelling of the gums, bleeding, and ulceration. It is usually caused by the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the mouth, especially when the body’s immune system is weakened due to stress, poor nutrition, and smoking. This blog post will explore the symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment of ANUG

Symptoms of Acute Necrotizing Gingivitis:

The symptoms of acute necrotizing gingivitis can appear suddenly and may include the following:

1. Painful, swollen gums: The gums become swollen and painful, making it difficult to eat, drink, or speak.
2. Bleeding gums: Bleeding from the gums is common, especially when brushing or flossing.
3. Bad breath: The condition causes a foul odour in the mouth, which can be embarrassing.
4. Ulcers: The gums may develop painful ulcers, making it difficult to eat and drink.
5. Greyish film on the gums: A greyish film may appear on the gums due to the accumulation of dead tissue.
6. Fever: In some cases, the patient may develop a fever, which indicates a systemic infection.

Causes of Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis:

Acute necrotizing gingivitis is caused by the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria are usually present in the mouth, but their growth is generally kept in check by the body’s immune system. However, when the immune system is weakened, the bacteria can grow rapidly, causing an infection.

Some of the factors that can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing ANG include:

1. Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can accumulate plaque and bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of infection.
2. Stress: Stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for bacteria to grow.
3. Poor nutrition: A diet lacking essential nutrients can weaken the immune system, making it easier for bacteria to grow.
4. Smoking can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing ANG.
5. HIV/AIDS: Individuals with HIV/AIDS are at a higher risk of developing ANG due to their weakened immune systems.

Prevention of Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis:

Acute necrotizing gingivitis can be prevented by taking the following steps:

1. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth.
2. Avoid smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and increases the risk of developing ANG.
3. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help strengthen the immune system. It’s important
4. Manage stress: Stress can weaken the immune system, so it’s essential to manage stress through meditation, exercise, and yoga. If you have time
5. Visit the dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups can help identify and treat gum disease before it becomes severe.

Treatment of Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis:

A dentist or periodontist can treat acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. The therapy may include the following:

1. Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection. This will help over five days. Metronidazole is the drug of choice
2. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may be recommended to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
3. Scaling and root planing: Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. See a Hygienist

ANUG is often seen in dental practice after the condition has been left for some time – it is always important to visit your dentist if you have bleeding gums – Corsodyl and mouth rinse only treat a symptom, not the problem, so dont be sitting in the hope that that alone will fix things.