National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which drug is commonly used to treat acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis?

1. Amoxicillin

2. Metronidazole

3. Tetracycline

4. Ciprofloxacin

The correct answer is: Metronidazole

Metronidazole is the preferred treatment for acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) due to its effectiveness against the anaerobic bacterial pathogens commonly responsible for this condition, particularly those within the Prevotella and Fusobacterium species. ANUG is characterized by painful, ulcerated gingiva and is often associated with poor oral hygiene, stress, and immunocompromised states. Metronidazole has strong antimicrobial activity against these specific anaerobic bacteria and helps to quickly reduce inflammation and tissue destruction, making it an excellent choice for managing this acute condition. Additionally, it has the ability to penetrate plaque biofilm, which is crucial for addressing the bacteria's establishment in the periodontal tissues. While other antibiotics like amoxicillin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin may have some effectiveness, they generally do not target the specific anaerobic organisms associated with ANUG as effectively as metronidazole. Therefore, the use of metronidazole stands out as the most appropriate and effective choice in treating this particular type of gingivitis.