ANUG (Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis)
ANUG cannot be self-treated; the patient needs to be treated by a dentist. If the first visit was to a doctor, he/she may provide some treatment to tide the patient over until arriving at the dentist's. This may include:
Antibiotics - the most commonly antibiotics for the treatment of ANUG are metronidazole or amoxicillin. Patients who are allergic to penicillin should not take amoxicillin. Treatment usually lasts three days. Amoxicillin may interfere with the efficacy of the contraceptive pill; the patient should use additional contraceptive during treatment and for seven days afterwards.
Painkillers - these may include ibuprofen or Tylenol (paracetamol). Patients with asthma should not take ibuprofen. Children under sixteen should not take aspirin.
Mouthwash - the patient uses them two or three times daily. Examples include chlorhexidine or hydrogenperoxide.
Patients with ANUG should use a very soft toothbrush if they have painful ulcers, or if their gums are especially sensitive. Until the gums recover, those with ANUG should not use an electric toothbrush.
If even a soft toothbrush causes too much pain, tell your dentist. Sometimes patients may be advised to clean their teeth with a finger covered in a soft cloth. Ask your dentist how to do this.