Description: This is a specific type of infection of oral mucosa whose lesions are found chiefly on marginal gingiva. Necrosis of the interdental papillae which spreads to involve adjacent facial and lingual marginal gingiva is virtually diagnostic. The ulcerated gingiva is covered by creamy exudate. Patients have pain and halitosis and in severe cases, fever and cervical lymphadenitis. Spread of lesions into the throat has been referred to as Vincent's angina. The disease occurs in all age groups but is uncommon in children.
Etiology: Isolation of Borrelia vincentii and Fusobacterium fusiformis from the lesion is reported. They are suspected of being the chief etiologic agents although reinoculation of these organisms into tissues of volunteers has not reproduced the disease. Reduction of patient resistance is thought to play an etiologic role.
Treatment: Treatment consists of debridement and cleaning the teeth plus a broad spectrum antibiotic in those with fever and cervical lymphadenitis. Topical anesthetics may provide palliation. Also, a equal parts mixture of Benadryl, Xylocaine Viscous and Maalox may he helpful
Prognosis: Good
Differential diagnosis: Agranulocytosis, cyclic neutropenia, and acatalasia .