Necrotising Peridontitis

K05.6

• Description
• General and supportive measures
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

DESCRIPTION

An acute very painful infection of the gingival margin characterised by:

• foul smelling breath,
• loss of gingiva and supporting bone around teeth, and
• presence of underlying disease, e.g. HIV.

May lead to loss of surrounding lips and cheeks if not adequately treated.

GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES

• Advice on improving and maintaining oral hygiene. See Gingivitis, uncomplicated . General and supportive measures.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, oral, 25 mg/kg/dose of the amoxicillin component 8 hourly for 5 days.
• Chlorhexidine 0.2%, 15 mL as a mouthwash, 2–4 times daily 30 minutes after brushing and flossing.
  • Continue for 5 days.

For pain:

• Paracetamol, oral, 15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly when required, to a maximum of 4 doses per 24 hours.

REFERRAL

For dental treatment:

• No improvement within 5 days.