Trench mouth is the result of a severe case of gingivitis. Gingivitis is an infection and inflammation of the gums. Trench mouth causes its victims severe pain, infected gums, bleeding gums, and mouth ulcers.
This severe case of gingivitis got the name of trench mouth during World War I. During this time, the soldiers who were stuck fighting in the trenches were unable to practice and perform good oral hygiene, thus resulting in gingivitis. As the gingivitis worsened, the severity of this condition was referred to as trench mouth. Dentists and orthodontists may also refer to trench mouth as Vincent’s stomatitis, acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), or necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG). However, laymen terms commonly refer to such a condition as trench mouth.
We all have harmful bacteria in our mouth; however, when the bacteria are uncontrolled it causes a severe infection of the gums. This infection destroys and damages the delicate gum tissue. If the infection is not cured and worsens then the infection spreads and causes large ulcers. These ulcers are filled with bacteria, food particles, and decaying gum tissue. Ultimately these ulcers lead to severe pain, bad breath, and a foul taste in the mouth.
Today, in the United States, there are not many cases of trench mouth. However, trench mouth is very common in third world countries or new developing countries which have poor living conditions and poor nutrition. Cases of trench mouth in the United States are commonly caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and a lowered immune system.
For those that think they may be suffering from trench mouth, it is fairly easy to diagnose. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of trench mouth include:
· Severe gum pain
· Bleeding gums
· Red and/or swollen gums
· Pain when eating and/or swallowing
· Gray film on the gums
· Ulcers between the teeth and on the gums
· Foul taste in the mouth
· Bad breath
· Fever
· Swollen lymph nodes around the head, neck, and/or jaw
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