What accompanies the necrosis of gingival tissues in necrotizing periodontal diseases?

• A. Improved oral hygiene
• B. Pain and fetid odor
• C. Development of periodontal pockets
• D. Presence of calculus deposits

Answer: (B)

In necrotizing periodontal diseases, the necrosis of gingival tissues is characteristically accompanied by pain and a fetid odor. This condition, which includes necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) and necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis (NUP), is marked by the rapid destruction of gingival tissue, often occurring alongside significant inflammation and necrosis.

The presence of a fetid odor is due to necrotic tissue breakdown and microbial activity, which produces foul-smelling substances. Patients commonly report severe pain associated with this condition, resulting from inflammation and ulceration of the gingival tissues.

Clarifying the other options, improved oral hygiene typically leads to better periodontal health, not necrotizing conditions. Development of periodontal pockets may occur in chronic periodontal diseases but is not a primary feature of necrotizing periodontal diseases; instead, these diseases often present with a different pathological mechanism and can sometimes result in tissue loss without the classic formation of pockets. While calculus deposits can influence periodontal health, their presence is not a defining feature of necrotizing diseases, which are characterized mainly by the aspects of pain and odor.