TRENCH MOUTH

General Information

DEFINITION--Infection of tissue between the teeth. This is not contagious or cancerous.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Gums. If untreated, trench mouth can spread to: lymph glands in the neck; tonsils; vocal cords; bronchial tubes; rectum; or vagina.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes and all ages, but most common in young adults (20 to 40 years).

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Painful gums.
• Gums that bleed when pressed.
• Excess salivation.
• Bad breath.
• Ulcers covered with gray membrane on the gums.
• Swallowing difficulty.
• Speaking difficulty.

CAUSES--Abnormal growth of fusiform bacillus and a spirochete. These are small organisms that usually exist harmlessly in the crevices of the gums.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Poor nutrition.
• Illness that has lowered resistance.
• Smoking.
• Stress.
• Poor oral hygiene. Tartar, plaque or food debris between teeth.

HOW TO PREVENT

Maintain good oral hygiene. To brush teeth: Scrub clear, sticky plaque off teeth daily with a soft toothbrush. Place the brush at the gum line and gently rotate, pointing bristles toward the gum. Brush one section of teeth at a time. Then brush tongue. A soft brush is less

likely to damage teeth and gums than a hard brush.

To floss: Use waxed or unwaxed dental floss according to instructions on the package label or your dentist's instructions.

• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Don't smoke.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Diagnosis is determined by examination of the gums and culture of the lesions.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Removal of dead tissue may be recommended as a treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Surgery may be necessary to trim rough, infected gums.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 2 weeks with treatment. Follow-up with frequent dental checkups, up to once a month, after treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Rinse your mouth every 2 hours, alternating the following rinses: Mixture of 1 teaspoon salt in large glass of very warm water. Mixture of equal parts 2% hydrogen peroxide and warm water.
• Don't smoke.
• Avoid any gum irritation until gums heal completely.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe penicillin or another antibiotic to fight infection.
• You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY--Rest at home for the first 2 days of treatment, then resume normal activities.

DIET--

• A liquid diet may be necessary for 2 or 3 days because of gum tenderness. When pain subsides, eat many fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't eat spicy or hot (temperature) food.
• Drink juices and 4 to 6 glasses of water each day. Don't drink carbonated beverages or alcohol.