Topical tetracycline in the treatment of a 7-year-old child with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis: a case report.

A 7-year-old girl presented with necrotic gingival tissue manifesting as large ulcers in the labial and lingual gingival tissue along the region of the mandibular central incisors and right canine. The severe symptoms associated with the gingival lesions were an indication for the use of a topical tetracycline solution. The patient's parent was instructed to prepare the antibiotic solution by crushing a 250-mg tablet of tetracycline in 10 mL of distilled water. Initially, the patient was instructed to use the tetracycline solution 3 times daily for 7 days by swishing the solution around her mouth for 1 minute, expectorating the solution, and rinsing with water. After the first week, the lesions showed marked clinical improvement, and use of the antibiotic was prescribed for an additional 7 days. After 14 days of treatment, the patient presented with complete remission of the lesions. The results in the present case support the use of topical tetracycline as an effective treatment option for NUG.