Vincent angina

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Vincent's angina, also known as trench mouth or acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), is a type of gingivitis that is characterized by the sudden onset of severe pain, foul breath, and bleeding and ulceration of the gums. It is named after Henri Vincent, a French physician who first described the condition in 1894.

Etiology[edit | edit source]

Vincent's angina is caused by a synergistic infection of the mouth by the bacteria Spirochaeta and Fusobacterium, which are both normal inhabitants of the mouth. These bacteria become pathogenic when the balance of the normal oral flora is disturbed, often due to poor oral hygiene, stress, or immunosuppression.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The primary symptoms of Vincent's angina are severe pain in the mouth, foul breath, and bleeding and ulceration of the gums. Other symptoms may include fever, malaise, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the throat and tonsils, causing difficulty swallowing and breathing.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of Vincent's angina is based on the clinical presentation and a microscopic examination of a sample of the affected gum tissue, which will show the characteristic 'fusospirochetal' bacteria.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for Vincent's angina involves improving oral hygiene, using antiseptic mouthwashes, and taking antibiotics to kill the bacteria. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, and surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of Vincent's angina involves maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Avoiding stress and maintaining a healthy immune system can also help prevent the condition.

See also[edit | edit source]





Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD