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ANUG most often impacts people who are 35 years of age and younger. Factors that may increase the risk of ANUG include excess bacteria in the mouth due to:

Lack of dental care
Poor dental hygiene
Poor diet
Vitamin deficiencies
Infections in the throat, teeth, or mouth
A weak immune system
Smoking
Stress

Symptoms

Symptoms may 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 in between teeth
Fever
Discomfort
Swollen lymph nodes

Red and Swollen Gums

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A dental exam will be done.

Images may be taken of your teeth and face. This can be done with x-rays.

Dental X-ray

Treatment

Although ANUG is a painful condition, it can be treated. Treatment may include:

Antibacterial mouthwash
Pain control with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Dental surgery
Regular dental cleanings
Antibiotics to treat infection
Changes in diet

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of ANUG:

Take proper care of teeth and gums.
See your dentist regularly.
Eat a balanced diet.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Periodontology
http://www.perio.org

Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association
http://www.mouthhealthy.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca

Dental Hygiene Canada
http://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca

References:

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis. Merch Manual Professional Version website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated June 2017. Accessed August 21, 2017.

Atout RN, Todescan, S, J Can Dent Assoc 2013;79:d46. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed September 18, 2017.

Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Last Updated: 9/16/2016

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