Necrotising Periodontitis
ICD-10 code: K05.2 Description General Measures Medicine Treatment Referral DESCRIPTION An acute, very painful infection of the gingival margin. It is characterised by: foul smelling breath. necrosis and sloughing of the gum margin, especially of the interdental papillae. loss of gingiva and supporting bone around teeth. May lead to disease of surrounding lips and cheeks if not adequately t
ICD-10 code: K05.2
Description
General Measures
Medicine Treatment
Referral
DESCRIPTION
An acute, very painful infection of the gingival margin. It is characterised by:
- foul smelling breath.
- necrosis and sloughing of the gum margin, especially of the interdental papillae.
- loss of gingiva and supporting bone around teeth.
May lead to disease of surrounding lips and cheeks if not adequately treated.
May lead to loss of surrounding lips and cheeks if not adequately treated.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Relieve pain.
- Improve oral hygiene.
- Exclude underlying disease e.g. HIV.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Brush, floss, rinse mouth with water and then rinse with:
- Chlorhexidine 0.2%, 15 mL as a mouthwash, twice daily, for 5 days.
Do not swallow.
Note: Do not eat or drink immediately after this.
Initiate treatment before transferral
Children
- Metronidazole, oral, 7.5 mg/kg/dose 8 hourly for 5 days. See dosing table
Adults
- Metronidazole, oral, 400 mg, 8 hourly for 5 days
Pain:
Children
- Paracetamol, oral, 10–15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly when required. See dosing table.
Adults
- Paracetamol, oral, 1 g 4–6 hourly when required.
- Maximum dose: 15 mg/kg/dose.
- Maximum dose: 4 g in 24 hours.
Note: Dental rinses are not recommended for prevention of Covid-19 transmission during dental procedures.
REFERRAL
All cases for dental treatment.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare Level, Updated for the 2023 Edition