Treating Trench Mouth

The term trench mouth was first used to describe an oral health ailment during World War I.  During this time, the soldiers who were stuck along the trenches came down with a severe case of gingivitis which was later diagnosed as trench mouth.

Diagnosing trench mouth is not complicated.  We must watch for any abnormal changes within the mouth.  Some of the most common signs and symptoms 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/or on the gums

□    Foul taste in the mouth

□    Bad breath

□    Fever

□    Swollen lymph nodes around the head, neck, and/or jaw.

If any of the listed signs or symptoms are prominent, see a dentist immediately.

A dentist can normally detect trench mouth during a thorough exam of the teeth and gums; however, sometimes it may be necessary to have dental or facial ex-rays done to determine the extent of the infection and tissue damage.  If one is diagnosed with trench mouth, it is possible to be cured in as little as two weeks.  Depending on the severity of the trench mouth determines how the trench mouth will be cured.  Most cases of trench mouth require medication.  Prescription antibiotics are used to prevent additional infections and to kill the present bacteria that are causing the infection.  Since trench mouth also causes pain, medications are used to alleviate the pain so that eating and good oral hygiene can be performed.   Treatment for trench mouth also includes dental cleanings of the teeth and gums.  For those with a severe case of trench mouth, surgery may be recommended.  Surgery is usually done to repair the gums that were damaged extensively by trench mouth.

Once diagnosed with trench mouth and a treatment plan is put into action there are things that an individual can do to ease the pain and promote healing.  Do not smoke or use other tobacco products as this irritates the gums.  If pain medications are prescribed, take the medications as recommended.  Taking pain medications and trench mouth cure will alleviate some of the pain associated with trench mouth and make eating, drinking, and oral care more bearable.  For those diagnosed with trench mouth symptoms, avoid spicy foods and foods that are hot in temperature.  These types of foods irritate the gums.  It is also best to adhere to a liquid diet once diagnosed with trench mouth for the first few days.  A liquid diet will not aggravate the gums like eating regular food does.  A liquid diet and drinking plenty of water will also help the body to stay hydrated; however, avoid the use of carbonated beverages and/or alcohol.  Carbonated beverages and alcohol dry out the mouth and irritate the soft gum tissue.  Finally, make sure to keep all dental appointments.  This way the dentist can track the condition and make necessary changes to the treatment plan if necessary.

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