About
- Described by Vincent in 1896 so due to Borrelia vincentii
- Mouth infection with ulcerative gingivitis
Also called
- Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
- Vincent angina, Trench mouth, fusospirochetal gingiviti
- Vincent’s stomatitis and Vincent infection
Aetiology
- Borrelia vincentii (a spirochaete) + fusiform bacilli
Risks
- Young adults or children during their first dentition
- Poor oral hygiene, smoking, emotional stress
- Alcohol consumption, malnutrition, Mental health issues
Clinical
- Red and irregular ulcerated area on the tonsils and their surrounding mucosal membranes, having a rather firm base filled with loose necrotic tissue (pseudomembrane)
- Painful, swollen, bleeding gums, halitosis, fever is not common
- Regional lymphadenopathy is variable
- Submandibular lymphadenopathy
- Small, painful ulcers covering the gums and tooth margins
- Halitosis and Fetid breath = fetor oris
- Ulcers may spread to the throat and tonsils.
- Fever and malaise may also be present in some.
Investigations
- Elevated WCC and CRP
- Exclude diabetes and HIV
Management
- Improved oral care and nutrition and Pabrinex if needed and Chlorhexidine mouthwash.
- Amoxicillin 500mg/8h and metronidazole 400mg/8h PO
- Regular tooth brushing and good oral hygiene is the chief preventive measure.