TRENCH MOUTH (Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis; Vincent's Disease; Fusospirochetosis) |
|
TRENCH MOUTH (Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis;
Vincent's Disease; Fusospirochetosis)
DESCRIPTIONTrench mouth is an infection of tissue between the teeth. This is not contagious or cancerous. The gums are involved. If untreated, trench mouth can spread to the lymph glands in the neck, or to the tonsils, vocal cords, bronchial tubes, rectum, or vagina.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Scaling of teeth by a dentist to remove plaque.
Frequent dental checkups--up to once a month--after treatment.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Painful gums.
Gums that bleed when pressed.
Excess salivation.
Bad breath.
Ulcers covered with gray membrane on the child's gums.
Swallowing difficulty.
Speaking difficulty.
CAUSES
Spirochetes, a fusiform bacteria.
Tartar, plaque, or food debris between the child's teeth.
RISK FACTORS
Poor nutrition; illness that has lowered resistance; smoking; stress.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEInstructions for your child:
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 the 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.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory culture to identify the infecting germs.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSSurgery may be necessary to trim your child's rough, infected gums.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Usually curable in 2 weeks with treatment.
TREATMENT
HOME CAREInstructions for your child:
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.
Avoid any gum irritation until gums heal completely.
Don't smoke.
MEDICATION
Your doctor may prescribe penicillin or another antibiotic for your child to fight the infection.
Use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child should rest at home for the first 2 days of treatment. Then the child can resume normal activities.
DIET & FLUIDS
A liquid diet may be necessary for 2 or 3 days because of gum tenderness. When the pain subsides, your child should eat many fresh fruits and vegetables. Don't serve the child spicy or hot (temperature) food.
Your child should drink juices and 4 to 6 glasses of water each day, but not carbonated beverages or alcohol.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When signs of infection have decreased, appetite returns, and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of trench mouth.
The following occurs during treatment:
-- Fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher.
-- Swelling of the neck or face.
-- Swallowing difficulty.
-- Inability to eat.
‡
|
|
|
|
Dserun mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum and sunt in culpa qui officias deserunt mollit. Excepteur plus sint occaecat the best cupidatat nonr proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. September 24, 2004
