subject: What Is Trench Mouth? [print this page] The average dentist Palatine based isn't likely to see very many cases of trench mouth anymore. The condition was once much more common than it is today. Although cases may still show up from time to time, they are nowhere near as common in the developed world as they are in more developing nations. It is a severe disease of the gums that was very common in soldiers that were fighting in trenches during the First World War. That is how the condition first got its name.
There are actually several different terms which all refer to the same condition that is colloquially known as trench mouth. It may also be known as Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, Acute Necrotizing Gingivitis, or Vincent's Stomatitis.
Trench mouth is essentially a very severe form of gingivitis. This is going to be characterized by several symptoms, the most common of which is going to be quite serious gum pain. The gums may also be red, and may be swollen. They will also likely bleed very easily from very light contact. The mouth may be filled with a bad breath, and you may have a constant bad taste in the mouth. There can also be sores between the teeth and on the gums. Finally, severe cases may be accompanied by fever. Not all the symptoms are going to be present in every case.
Symptoms of trench mouth may in fact actually be signs of simple gingivitis or periodontal disease. However, these conditions all need to be addressed by a dentist. Therefore, if there are any symptoms of trench mouth present, you should always see a dentist as soon as possible. That way, steps can be taken to help prevent further damage and to hopefully reduce the effects caused by the current damage to the gums and teeth.
A number of things contribute to trench mouth, with the leading problem being poor dental hygiene. However, other oral infections can also lead to trench mouth. Poor nutrition and other bad oral habits like smoking or chewing tobacco can also contribute.
Obviously, improving oral hygiene is going to be one of the most important steps that need to be taken in order to improve the condition of trench mouth. Because the condition involves an unchecked proliferation of bacteria in the mouth though, antibiotics are also often involved in treating the condition. In the most extreme cases, surgery may be recommended.
