Caused by an over-accumulation of harmful bacteria in the mouth, trench mouth disease is a more virulent form of gingivitis. Regarded as a severe oral infection, the condition is characterized by the presence of ulcers in the gums and by painful bleeding gums. Moreover, if left untreated, trench mouth can lead to necrosis of the teeth’s support structures. If you have dental problems such as this, you can visit this dental clinic and receive gentle dental care near Liverpool, NSW.
Prevalence of Trench Mouth
Trench mouth is a rare condition that affects only 0.5% – 1% of the population of the United States. It’s most likely to occur among adolescents or young adults, or in communities affected by poor nutrition or substandard living conditions.
Exacerbating Factors
Although relatively rare, trench mouth can, nevertheless, affect anyone who fails to practice proper oral hygiene. Moreover, the risk of trench mouth developing is heightened in cases where gingivitis is present as a preexisting condition. Similarly, individuals with compromised immune systems, diabetes, elevated stress levels, HIV/AIDS, or those who smoke, are considered to be more susceptible to the condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of trench mouth are quite similar to those of gingivitis. The most discernible difference between the two conditions is the respective speeds at which they progress. In this regard, trench mouth spreads much more rapidly than gingivitis does.
In addition to the speed at which it spreads, trench mouth can be recognized by the following symptoms;
- Bad Breath
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Gum pain
- Flu-like symptoms – fatigue and fever
- Gray-colored film on gums
- Bleeding gums
Diagnosis
Happily, diagnosing trench mouth is a straightforward affair, which generally requires nothing more taxing than a simple oral examination. Under some circumstances, however, a dentist may also request an x-ray in order to determine whether the infection has spread to neighboring areas of bone.
Additionally, a doctor may take a blood sample, in order to test for other conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, which can promote an overabundance of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Treatment
If the appropriate steps are taken it’s eminently possible to cure trench foot within a matter of weeks. Typically, measures taken include;
- Antibiotics are administered to halt the spread of infection
- Pain relief medication
- Professional teeth cleaning
- Correct oral hygiene
On top of such steps, taking warm salt water rinses or hydrogen peroxide rinses can help reduce the pain of inflamed gums and remove dead tissue.
Complications
Fortunately, trench mouth rarely leads to serious complications. However, having said that, if the condition is left untreated a number of unwelcome side effects can occur.
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Gum loss
- Trouble swallowing
- Gum pain
Prevention
Thankfully, trench mouth disease is easy to prevent. Indeed, all that’s required is to;
- Brush and floss twice a day
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Reduce stress levels
- Avoid all tobacco products
