Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis
Also written as: NUG — Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis
An acute destructive condition of the gingival tissues characterised by painful necrosis and punched-out ulceration of the interdental papillae, halitosis, and a grey pseudomembrane, associated with fusospirochetal infection.
Full Definition
Necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) is an opportunistic polymicrobial infection involving predominantly Fusobacterium nucleatum and spirochaetes, occurring in the context of immunosuppression, psychological stress, malnutrition, or smoking. The pathognomonic feature is necrosis of the interdental papilla with a characteristic 'punched-out' crater covered by a grey pseudomembrane. Editors must distinguish it from the broader category of necrotising periodontal diseases and note the preferred spelling 'necrotising' in British English as opposed to 'necrotizing' in American English. It was historically termed Vincent's angina or trench mouth, terms that may appear in older texts.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from necrotising ulcerative periodontitis (NUP), which involves attachment loss and bone necrosis. Both terms fall under 'necrotising periodontal diseases' in current classification.
In Context
- "The patient presented with classic features of necrotising ulcerative gingivitis, including cratered papillae and a fetid odour." — Clinical case report
- "NUG must be differentiated from acute herpetic gingivostomatitis, as management strategies differ significantly." — Differential diagnosis section