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NUP vs NUG — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePeriodontologyNUP vs NUGNDEB AFK

Which of the following clinical features distinguishes necrotising ulcerative periodontitis (NUP) from necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (NUG)?

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Correct answer: C — NUP involves attachment loss and alveolar bone destruction in addition to gingival necrosis

NUP has all the features of NUG (punched-out necrotic papillae, pain, bleeding, foetor oris) PLUS clinical attachment loss and alveolar bone destruction. NUG is confined to the gingiva without attachment loss. NUP is more common in severely immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS with CD4 <200) and may progress rapidly to necrotising stomatitis (involving bone and surrounding tissues beyond the alveolar process). Both conditions share the same microbiological profile (spirochetes, fusobacteria, Prevotella).

Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019