Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is trench mouth?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of trench mouth?
- Treatment
- How to treat trench mouth?
- When should I see a dentist?
- Prevention
- How to prevent trench mouth?
Definition
What is trench mouth?
Trench mouth is a type of severe gingivitis that causes pain, infection, and bleeding in the gums. Trench mouth is common in developing countries with poor nutrition and living conditions.
This condition is also known as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), has the name "trench mouth" because this condition occurred in many soldiers who were trapped in trenches during World War I without properly caring for their teeth. Trench mouth is not contagious. How common is trench mouth?
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of trench mouth?
Signs and symptoms of trench mouth can include:
- Severe gum pain
- Bleeding from the gums when pressed, even if only a little
- Red or swollen gums
- Pain when eating or swallowing
- Gray coating on the gums
- Crater-like sores (ulcers) between the teeth and gums
- Bad taste in mouth
- Bad breath
- Fever and fatigue
- Swollen lymph glands around the head, neck or jaw.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How to treat trench mouth?
Trench mouth can be very painful. To help care for yourself and survive treatment:
- Avoid smoking or using other tobacco products
- Use pain medication as directed
- Follow a fluid diet if recommended, for the first few days of treatment to minimize pain
- Avoid spicy or hot foods, which can irritate the gums
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
- Avoid drinking carbonated or alcoholic drinks
- Arrange for regular dentist appointments
- Adequate rest to reduce physical and emotional stress
- Eat healthy foods to improve nutrition.
When should I see a dentist?
Trench mouth symptoms can appear quickly. Immediately visit the dentist if you experience any symptoms. Often, the symptoms can signal a problem with the gums other than trench mouth, such as another type of gingivitis or a gum infection called periodontitis.
All types of gum disease can be serious, and most tend to get worse if left untreated. The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely it is that your gums will return to health, as well as prevent permanent tooth loss, bone and other tissue damage.
Prevention
How to prevent trench mouth?
Good health habits can reduce the risk of trench mouth, such as:
- Maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth and floss at least 2 times a day or as recommended by your dentist. Do a professional dental cleaning. An antiseptic mouthwash can also help. Several studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective than regular toothbrushes.
- Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. Tobacco is the main cause of trench mouth formation.
- Have a healthy diet. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains over refined grains, eat healthy proteins such as fish or nuts, and choose low-fat dairy products.
- Deal with stress. Stress affects your physical and mental health, learning to deal with it is important for your overall health. Sports, relaxation techniques, yoga and hobbies are examples of good stress coping methods.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
