Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM)may be responsible for increased incidence of noma and necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG)because these conditions are associated with depressed immune responses caused by nutritional deficiencies.

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Both the statement and the reason are correct and related.An increased incidence of noma and NUG has been observed,and it is thought that protein-energy malnutrition is a significant cause.These conditions are also associated with stress and infection,both of which correlate closely with malnutrition.Noma is a severe gangrenous process on the gingiva that can extend to the lips,cheek,and tissues covering the jaw.In the United States,noma-like lesions can occur in patients with cancer whose immune systems have been severely impaired by chemotherapy.NUG is characterized by degeneration and cellular death (necrosis)of the interdental papillae.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)may Be Responsible for Increased Incidence of Noma