Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis appears with stress. College students can get it during finals and people breaking up can get it. The onset of some medical conditions such as HIV infection can cause it. Regardless of the cause, it should be treated and the cause found. People who smoke, have poor nutrition and who have dental infections are susceptible.

          Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis was common during WWI. Trench warfare was stressful! There was no running water, no toothpaste and lots of stress. Many soldiers developed this gingivitis. They had bad breath from rotting gum surfaces. The dead gum is attacked and infected. The gum between the teeth is lost so you can see between the teeth. In normal patients the gums in between the teeth cover up the sides of the teeth so you can't see them. These patients have badly bleeding sore gums. The gums may appear grey from dying tissue.

          Patients with Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis are placed on tetracycline 500mg for a week before treatment. Salt water and hydrogen peroxide rinses help sooth the gums. They return the following week and have an aggressive cleaning. In a few weeks it's determined if scaling and root planing is needed. All treatment is aimed at eliminating the infection and preventing its return. If left untreated, it can spread to the lips and throat and harm the underlying jaw bone. This can later lead to periodontal disease or tooth loss.

            The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Because we know that Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis can be terrible, we will do everything we can to assist you in making financial arrangements for needed dental care. If you wish to schedule a free dental consultation with our senior Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428.