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Trench mouth

Vincent's stomatitis; Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis

 

Trench mouth is an infection that causes swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingivae). The term trench mouth comes from World War I, when this infection was common among soldiers "in the trenches."

Causes

 

Trench mouth is a painful form of gum swelling ( gingivitis ). The mouth normally contains a balance of different bacteria. Trench mouth occurs when there is too much normal mouth bacteria. The gums become infected and develop painful ulcers . Viruses may be involved in allowing the bacteria to grow too much.

Things that increase your risk of trench mouth include:

  • Emotional stress
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Poor nutrition
  • Smoking
  • Throat, tooth, or mouth infections

Trench mouth is rare. When it does occur, it most often affects people ages 15 to 35.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of trench mouth often begin suddenly. They include:

  • Bad breath
  • Crater-like ulcers between the teeth
  • Fever
  • Foul taste in the mouth
  • Gums appear red and swollen
  • Grayish film on the gums
  • Painful gums
  • Severe gum bleeding in response to any pressure or irritation

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will look into your mouth for signs of trench mouth, including:

  • Crater-like ulcers filled with plaque and food debris
  • Destruction of gum tissue around the teeth
  • Inflamed gums

There may be a gray film caused by broken down gum tissue. In some cases, there may be fever and swollen lymph nodes of the head and neck.

Dental x-rays or x-rays of the face may be taken to determine how severe the infection is and how much tissue has been destroyed.

This disease may also be tested for by using a throat swab culture .

 

Treatment

 

The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and relieve symptoms. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if you have a fever.

Good oral hygiene is vital to the treatment of trench mouth. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, or after each meal and at bedtime, if possible.

Salt-water rinses (one half teaspoon or 3 grams of salt in 1 cup or 240 milliliters of water) may soothe sore gums. Hydrogen peroxide, used to rinse the gums, is often recommended to remove dead or dying gum tissue. Chlorhexidine rinse will help with gum inflammation.

Over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce your discomfort. Soothing rinses or coating agents may reduce pain, especially before eating. You may apply lidocaine to your gums for severe pain.

You may be asked to visit a dentist or dental hygienist to have your teeth professionally cleaned and to have the plaque removed, once your gums feel less tender. You may need frequent dental cleaning and examinations until the disorder is cleared.

To prevent the condition from coming back, your provider may give you instructions on how to:

  • Maintain good general health, including proper nutrition and exercise
  • Maintain good oral hygiene
  • Reduce stress
  • Stop smoking

Avoid irritants such as smoking and hot or spicy foods.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The infection usually responds to treatment. The disorder can be quite painful until it is treated. If trench mouth is not treated promptly, the infection can spread to the cheeks, lips, or jawbone. It can destroy these tissues.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of trench mouth include:

  • Dehydration
  • Loss of teeth
  • Pain
  • Periodontitis
  • Spread of infection

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call the dentist if you have symptoms of trench mouth, or if fever or other new symptoms develop.

 

Prevention

 

Preventive measures include:

  • Good general health
  • Good nutrition
  • Good oral hygiene, including thorough tooth brushing and flossing
  • Learning ways to cope with stress
  • Regular professional dental cleaning and exams
  • Stopping smoking

 

 

References

Allen CM, Camisa C. Oral disease. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, eds. Dermatology . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2012:chap 72.

Bope ET, Kellerman RD. Diseases of the skin. In: Bope ET, Kellerman RD, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 201 6. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 4.

Buttaravoli P, Leffler SM. Gingivitis and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis: (Trench mouth). In: Buttaravoli P, Leffler SM, eds. Minor Emergencies . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 50.

Chow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Blaser MJ, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 65.

 
  • Dental anatomy - illustration

    The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can have a profound effect on tooth shape, tooth color, time of appearance, or absence of teeth.

    Dental anatomy

    illustration

    • Dental anatomy - illustration

      The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can have a profound effect on tooth shape, tooth color, time of appearance, or absence of teeth.

      Dental anatomy

      illustration

    Talking to your MD

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Trench mouth

         

           

          Review Date: 2/22/2016

          Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, general and aesthetic dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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