necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis n ACUTE NECROTIZING ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS
* * *
a progressive painful infection, also seen in subacute and recurrent forms, marked by crateriform lesions of interdental papillae with pseudomembranous slough circumscribed by linear erythema; fetid breath; increased salivation; and spontaneous gingival hemorrhage. The etiology is uncertain, but fusiform bacilli, spirochetes, and other microorganisms are present in the lesions; many postulate an etiology of a bacterial complex in the presence of predisposing factors such as gingival disease or nutritional deficiency. Although it often occurs in an epidemic pattern, it has not been shown to be contagious. Called also fusospirillosis, fusospirochetal g., acute necrotizing ulcerative g., phagedenic g., trench mouth, and Vincent g. or stomatitis. When it spreads to nearby structures, it may be called necrotizing ulcerative gingivostomatitis or Vincent angina.
Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis.
Medical dictionary. 2011.