 |
| Acute NUG, a form of gum disease |
How does NUG cause bad breath?
The bacteria in plaque give a fetid odor. The odor can also come from dying tissue in the infected areas. Often the bad breath is what causes a person to seek help from a dentist.
What is NUG?
NUG (Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis) is a gum infection. NUG has also been called “trench mouth” and “Vincent’s infection” after the doctor that first described it. The combination of bacteria in NUG does not like oxygen. We call these bacteria anaerobes.
What causes NUG?
NUG appears in persons who are run down, suffering severe stress, poor diet, lack of rest, or immune compromised. NUG was quite common in the troops during World War I. It is usually seen in young adults and adolescents. NUG is less common today in the United States
What does NUG do?
The bacteria in NUG grow in plaque on the teeth and gums. Once the infection occurs, it can begin to destroy the gums and bone around the teeth. If the infection becomes acute (ANUG), it causes severe damage the gums and bone.
Is NUG painful?
It can be quite painful in the acute form. The gums can be puffy, swollen, red, and ooze pus. The lymph nodes can become swollen. You can feel run down feverish and lose your appetite.
How is NUG treated?
The treatment consists of a round of antibiotics, peroxide rinses and cleaning by a dental professional.
Can you get NUG more than once?
For most people this will not happen. If you are immune compromised, you are at risk of a repeat infection.
Have you treated many NUG patients?
I see a case every year or so. They have all been successfully treated with the method described above.
Dr. Neal at Crystal Lake Dental Associates answers all of your questions about gum disease and bad breath.
The bacteria in plaque give a fetid odor. The odor can also come from dying tissue in the infected areas. Often the bad breath is what causes a person to seek help from a dentist. lakeway TX family dentistry
ReplyDelete