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Periodontics · single question

Which clinical finding is characteristic of necrotizing gingival disease (ANUG/NUP)?

  1. Widespread oral mucosal blistering
  2. Vesicular lesions that rupture
  3. Positive Nikolsky sign
  4. Loss of interdental papilla (punched-out papillae)
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Correct answer: D. Loss of interdental papilla (punched-out papillae)

  • A. Incorrect. Widespread mucosal blistering is associated with pemphigus, pemphigoid, or erythema multiforme — not necrotizing periodontal disease.
  • B. Incorrect. Vesicular lesions are associated with herpetic infections (HSV) — not necrotizing periodontal disease.
  • C. Incorrect. Nikolsky sign (sloughing of mucosa with lateral pressure) is characteristic of pemphigus vulgaris — not ANUG/NUP.
  • D. Correct. The HALLMARK of necrotizing gingival disease (ANUG — Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis) is LOSS OF INTERDENTAL PAPILLA (punched-out, cratered, or truncated papillae) with a characteristic gray pseudomembrane, bleeding, and fetid halitosis. This is pathognomonic for ANUG.

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