Trench Mouth: Causes and Treatments

Also known as Vincent’s Stomatitis and Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG), Trench Mouth is a rare form of periodontal disease. Its common name was born during World War I when many of the soldiers fighting in the trenches would fall victim to the bacterial condition.

Most often presenting in a person’s twenties or early thirties, this disease is often a result of improper dental care, which explains why soldiers – often away from home for long stretches of time and ill-equipped to keep the teeth and mouth clean– would be more susceptible.

What begins as a minor bacterial infection, can quickly progress. The infection is a result of the normal balance of good and bad bacteria within the mouth being disrupted. The bad forms take precedence and the soft tissue of the mouth is attacked.

As the disease progresses, this soft tissue will begin to die, causing pain and many other symptoms. Lack of proper oral hygiene is not the only cause of this condition, though it is generally associated. This can also be brought on by nutritional deficiencies due to poor diet. Mental stress, some autoimmune conditions, and smoking can also contribute.

The warning signs on this disease are generally first reported as the sudden development of foul breath and an unfavorable taste in the mouth.

Along with this, the gums will begin to take on a red color, may become swollen and even sensitive to touch. Bleeding gums, when brushing with a soft bristled brush, are always a reason to consult a dentist and may be witnessed as part of Trench Mouth Disease. Painful sores may also appear on the gums or between the teeth and, as the disease progresses, it is not uncommon for patients to report swollen lymph nodes in the neck, head, and jaw.

If these symptoms sound familiar, then it is very important to seek the immediate attention of a dental professional. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. It can be formally diagnosed at a standard dental check-up, but x-rays will likely be ordered to determine severity.

If the problem is ruled to be Trench Mouth Disease, then there are a few things that most dentists will do to prevent further damage, correct existing issues, and alleviate any existing discomfort.

For instance, oral antibiotics will likely be prescribed to fight off the infection and to help restore a balance of good and bad bacteria within the mouth, and, in instances when pain becomes an issue, topical anesthetics can be applied or oral pain medications may be given.

Cleaning is the next step in relieving discomfort and correcting damage. Dead gum cells will be removed to alleviate tenderness and teeth will be thoroughly scrubbed in most cases. When sensitivities have subsided, then the dentist can go back in the mouth to clean up remaining plaque and tartar under the gumline. This is referred to as root planning and may result in soreness for a couple of days after the cleaning. Rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide is said to alleviate much of the discomfort.

In rare instances, when the condition is not caught quickly, damage to the gums may be extensive. In these cases, surgery may be required and root planning may need to be repeated.

To avoid contracting this condition, it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and practice regular oral hygiene – brushing with a high quality toothpaste and soft bristled brush, flossing daily, and having regularly schedule appointments with the dentist.