From the Research
Vincent's angina can occur in children, although it is less common than in young adults, and parents should be aware of its possibility, especially in children with risk factors such as malnutrition, stress, or immunosuppression. This acute gum infection, also known as trench mouth or acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, primarily affects teenagers and young adults but can develop in children, especially those with poor oral hygiene or weakened immune systems. Symptoms in children are similar to those in adults, including painful, bleeding gums, bad breath, and ulcers on the gums and inside of the cheeks.
Key Considerations
- Treatment typically involves professional dental cleaning, improved oral hygiene practices, and sometimes antibiotics like metronidazole (15-30 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 7 days) or amoxicillin (50 mg/kg/day in divided doses for 7 days) 1.
- The study by 1 provides insight into the significance of the fusospirillum complex in Vincent's angina, highlighting its low pathogenicity and requirement for reduced local or general resistance to grow.
- While the provided evidence does not directly address the occurrence of Vincent's angina in children, it is essential to consider the condition in the differential diagnosis, especially in children with risk factors.
Prevention and Management
- Parents should ensure children maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent this condition.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the possibility of Vincent's angina in children, especially those with risk factors such as malnutrition, stress, or immunosuppression.
- Early recognition and treatment of Vincent's angina are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Note that the other studies 2, 3, 4, 5 do not provide relevant information for this specific question, as they focus on different types of angina or conditions.