What is the most critical aspect of treating Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG)?

The most critical aspect of treating Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is debridement. This procedure involves the removal of necrotic tissue and debris from the affected areas, which is essential for managing the infection and promoting healing. ANUG is characterized by painful ulcers and necrosis of the gingival tissues, and effective debridement can help to eliminate the source of the infection, reduce inflammation, and restore the health of the gums.

While antibiotic therapy may be beneficial in tackling the bacterial component of the infection and analgesics can help manage pain, these treatments alone will not address the underlying issue of the necrotic tissue. Scaling and root planing may be more relevant in chronic periodontal conditions, but in the immediate context of ANUG, it is the debridement of the necrotic areas that provides the most significant benefit in the treatment protocol.