Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Metronidazole is a preferred treatment option for which condition?

1. Chronic periodontitis

2. Atypical facial pain

3. Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)

4. Pulmonary infections

The correct answer is: Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG)

Metronidazole is particularly effective in treating Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) due to its antimicrobial properties, which target anaerobic bacteria typically present in this condition. ANUG, also known as Vincent's disease, is characterized by painful ulcerations, gingival inflammation, and necrosis often associated with poor oral hygiene and stress. Metronidazole specifically combats the Fusobacterium and other anaerobic bacteria that are predominant in the oral biofilm during this type of periodontal disease. While it can play a role in various other infections, like those encountered in chronic periodontitis or certain pulmonary infections, its use is less established in these cases compared to its effectiveness in ANUG. Atypical facial pain does not have a clear bacterial infection that would warrant metronidazole use, making it less relevant for this antibiotic therapy. Thus, in the context of bacterial infections associated with oral health, metronidazole's role as a preferred treatment for ANUG is firmly supported by its targeted action against the specific pathogens involved.