Which drug is commonly used to treat ANUG?

Metronidazole is the drug commonly used to treat Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), also known as Vincent's gingivitis. This condition is characterized by painful ulcers, gum necrosis, and a foul odor, often related to stress, smoking, or compromised immune function.

Metronidazole is particularly effective against anaerobic bacteria, which are typically involved in ANUG. Its ability to target and eliminate these bacteria helps reduce infection and promote healing of the affected areas. Additionally, it has a fast onset of action, making it suitable for acute conditions.

While other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, clindamycin, and penicillin, are used to treat various dental infections, they are not the first-line treatment for ANUG. Amoxicillin effectively addresses some bacterial infections but does not specifically target the anaerobes implicated in ANUG. Clindamycin is an alternative but is less commonly chosen in this specific scenario, and penicillin is not effective against the anaerobic bacteria causing the condition. This specialization of metronidazole in targeting the exact pathogens involved in ANUG is what makes it the preferred treatment option.