ANUG:
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis = Trench mouth
Is a common, non-contagious infection of the gums with sudden onset.
The main features are
Painful, bleeding gums, and ulceration of inter-dental papillae this disease, along with necrotizing (ulcerative) periodontitis (NP or NUP) is classified as a necrotizing periodontal disease, one of the seven general types of periodontitis.
The often-severe gingival pain that characterizes ANUG distinguishes it from the more common chronic periodontitis, which is rarely painful.
The causative organisms are mostly anaerobic bacteria, particularly Fusobacteria and Spirochete species.
Predisposing factors: poor oral hygiene, smoking, malnutrition, psychological stress and immunosuppression when the attachments of the teeth to the bone are involved, the term NUP is used.
Treatment of ANUG is by debridement and antibiotics (usually metronidazole) in the acute phase, and improving oral hygiene to prevent recurrence. Although the condition has a rapid onset and is debilitating, it usually resolves quickly and does no serious harm. The synonym "trench mouth" arose during World War I as many soldiers developed the disease, probably because of the poor conditions and extreme psychological stress.