Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis

(ANUG; Trench Mouth; Vincents Stomatitis)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a serious infection of the gums.

Causes

The exact cause is not known. It happens when there is excess bacteria in the mouth.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in people who are 24 years of age and younger. The risk is higher in people who have 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

Problems may be:

Fever
Red and swollen gums
Gums that bleed easily
Gum pain
Bad taste in the mouth
Very bad breath
Gray buildup on the gums
Large sores or loss of gum in between teeth

Red and Swollen Gums

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health 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

Any underlying causes will need to be treated, such as improving nutrition and dental care.

The goals of treatment are to ease pain and stop the disease from getting worse. Options are:

Dental surgery to remove damaged tissue
Antibacterial mouthwash
Medicine to:
- Ease pain
- Treat infection

Prevention

The risk of this health problem may be lowered by:

Practicing good oral hygiene
Eating a healthful diet
Managing stress

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. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-necrotizing-ulcerative-gingivitis. Accessed August 16, 2021.

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dental-disorders/periodontal-disorders/acute-necrotizing-ulcerative-gingivitis-anug. Accessed August 16, 2021.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board James Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 8/16/2021

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