Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) “Trench Mouth”

Category: Adult Dentistry, Dr. Advocate's Insight, Oral Health

By: Dr. Advocate
Updated: February 16, 2023

Although I’ve never treated a patient with acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), I can only imagine the pungent odor that would be evident within the office walls. As a dentist, I know the smell of periodontal disease. It’s a distinct odor that occurs when bacteria have localized deep below the gums and infect bone and gum tissue. Unfortunately, many patients are unaware of this foul smell because of olfactory fatigue, which enables your body to adapt to prolonged exposure to smells.

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis is a rare form of gum disease that you most likely won’t experience in your life. However, understanding this oral condition may encourage improving your oral health.

Recommended Reading: Gingivitis | The Ultimate Guide

What is acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)?

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a rare infectious disease of the gums, affecting <1% of the population. This oral disease most commonly occurs in an impaired host immune response. For example, a patient undergoing cancer treatment or immunocompromised is more susceptible to ANUG because their body has a limited ability to fight off harmful bacteria and infection.

ANUG is a severely destructive form of gum disease that’s characterized by distinct signs and symptoms, including:

• Punched-out papilla
• Sudden onset of inflammation
• Painful, bleeding gums
• Crater-like gum lesions
• Halitosis
• Lymphadenopathy
• Malaise

Recommended Reading: Is Gingivitis & Gum Disease Contagious? (What the Research Says)

Why is it called “trench mouth”?

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is commonly referred to as “trench mouth” because of its occurrence among soldiers in the trenches during World War I. It’s closely associated with stress and anxiety experienced by soldiers during the war. Today, ANUG readily presents in adolescents and teenagers during acute stress if they have other conditions, including hormonal changes, poor oral hygiene, and immunocompromised.

Recommended Reading: What is Gingivitis? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

ANUG is also commonly associated with smoking because it drys the mouth and alters the bacterial flora. Harmful oral bacteria, including cavity-causing bacteria, thrive in dry, acidic environments. In addition, trench mouth can be prevalent in individuals with poor oral health and hygiene.

A great routine oral hygiene regimen includes:

• Brushing (use an electric toothbrush)
• Flossing (or water flosser)
• Use mouthwash nightly
• Regular dental checkups (every six months)
• Routine cleanings
• Avoid sticky sweets

Recommended Reading: 6 Best Mouthwashes for Gingivitis & Gum Disease 2023

What is necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG)?

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) is a distinct and specific form of periodontal disease without the acute (sudden) onset. It has been given many names: Vincent’s disease, fusospirochetal gingivitis, trench mouth, acute ulcerative gingivitis, necrotizing gingivitis, and acute NUG.

Recommended Reading: Gingivitis vs Periodontitis (Gum Disease) | Dentist’s Perspective

The diagnosis of NUG follows three clinical features, including papilla necrosis, bleeding, and pain. In addition and similar to ANUG, the identification of risk factors that alter the host response leads to increased risk. In addition, treatment should be purposeful, well-organized and detailed across multiple dental providers. The most crucial step during treatment is immediately addressing the acute phase to prevent sequelae (further harm) and craters in soft tissues.

What causes “trench mouth”?

Trench mouth is related to many predisposing factors, including acute stress, immunosuppression, malnutrition and poor oral hygiene. These conditions, along with the formation of dental plaque, result in the overgrowth of bacteria in the interdental area leading to “punched-out papilla.” Invasion of the bacteria into the tissue causes NUG.

Recommended Reading: 14 Gingivitis Home Remedies That Work! (Dentist Recommended)

The exact causative organisms have not been identified; however, most ANUG and NUG patients involve the following microorganisms:

• Prevotellaintermedia
• Fusobacterium species
• Treponemaspecies- T. vincentii and T. buccalis
• Selenomonas species

Diagnosis

For example, ANUG is commonly confused with other bacterial and viral conditions, including:

• Gonococcal or streptococcal gingivitis
• Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis
• Infectious mononucleosis
• Desquamative gingivitis
• Multiforme erythema
• Pemphigus vulgaris

Recommended Reading: What Does Gingivitis Look Like? (20 Gum Disease Pictures)

Treatment

Treatment of the acute phase

The primary goal of the acute phase treatment is to halt tissue destruction and control the patient’s discomfort. For example, the dentist gently removes superficial gingival plaque and calculus with an ultrasonic scaler. Local anesthetic or other topical numbing agents may be needed for patient comfort. In addition, 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, an oral antibacterial rinse, will be used to irrigate in and around the gum tissue to eradicate harmful bacteria chemically.

Systemic antibiotics such as Metronidazole (250 mg 3 x daily) will be considered. Other antibiotics that work well against anaerobes include:

• Penicillin
• Tetracyclines
• Clindamycin
• Amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin + Clavulanate

Treatment of any preexisting condition

After the acute phase has been controlled, treatment of any preexisting conditions, such as chronic gingivitis, should be initiated. In addition, this stage involves professional prophylaxis (cleaning) in the form of scaling and root planning and the establishment of oral hygiene home-care habits that the patient can use daily.

Predisposing factors will also be addressed, including smoking, poor sleep habits, poor oral hygiene, and acute stress. In addition, The dentist or dental specialist can perform a gingivectomy procedure to treat gum damage and prevent disease progression.

Treatment of disease sequelae and transition to a maintenance phase

The main goal of the maintenance phase is to comply with the best oral hygiene practices and control any predisposing factors. If proper maintenance is not carried out, relapses are likely to occur.

Prognosis

Prompt diagnosis and treatment will prevent irreversible damage to the underlying bone and gum tissue. In addition, comprehensive treatment prevents the progression of the disease. Nevertheless, according to a recent study, a lack of treatment can lead to gum deterioration—potentially fatal conditions include necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis (NUP) and even cancrum oris (noma). If ANUG is left untreated, improperly treated or neglected, it will become chronic and recurrent.

Other factors that contribute to the onset of ANUG include:

• Psychological stress
• Poor diet
• Insufficient sleep
• Alcohol & tobacco use
• Poor oral hygiene
• Preexisting gingivitis
• HIV infection

Recommended Reading: Gingivitis vs Healthy Gums (What’s the Difference?)

Should I be concerned?

Healthy gums are vital to a patient’s oral and systemic health. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is the most effective way to avoid developing gingivitis and other severe gum diseases. Studies show that the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease can lead to significant health issues, including Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease.

Health conditions like HIV infection, diabetes, and cancer can reduce a person’s ability to fight infection, increasing the risk of developing gum disease.

Although acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is rare, certain factors correlate with increased likelihood. For example, anti-seizure medications, some blood pressure medications, hormonal changes, and tobacco use can heighten your risk. However, keeping gums healthy and preventing oral gum disease is possible with daily care and regular visits to a dentist.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Are ANUG and NUG the same?

ANUG and NUG present similar signs and symptoms, including "punched-out papilla," gum pain, bleeding gums and inflammation. However, ANUG represents the "acute" or spontaneous progression of oral gum disease. For example, ANUG manifests more rapidly compared to NUG.

Is trench mouth and thrush the same?

No, trench mouth, also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, is a severe form of gum disease. In contrast, thrush is an oral fungus (Candida Albicans) that appears on the lining of the mouth.

What are the signs & symptoms of ANUG?

The signs & symptoms of ANUG include:

• Punched-out papilla
• Sudden onset of inflammation
• Painful, bleeding gums
• Crater-like gum lesions
• Halitosis
• Lymphadenopathy
• Malaise

Does ANUG cause bone loss?

Yes, ANUG is an advanced form of periodontal disease and can cause advanced bone loss in addition to severe gum inflammation and crater-like lesions. ANUG presents rapidly and intensely.

My Experience & Expertise

Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) and other severe gum diseases pose a diagnostic dilemma to clinicians. Diagnosing and coordinating treatment with an interprofessional team approach can be challenging. Though there are specific diagnostic criteria to diagnose ANUG, patients may exhibit non-specific signs and symptoms or only meet some of the diagnostic criteria. Regardless of the particular presentation, recognizing the potential and likelihood of necrotizing gum disease is the most critical action and will prevent irreversible damage.