BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuTrench mouthVincent's stomatitis; Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG); Vincent diseaseTrench mouth is an infection that causes swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingivae). The term trench mouth comes from World War I, when this infection was common among soldiers "in the trenches." Causes Trench mouth is a painful form of gum swelling (gingivitis). The mouth normally contains a balance of different bacteria. Trench mouth occurs when there is too much pathologic bacteria. The gums become infected and develop painful ulcers. Viruses may be involved in allowing the bacteria to grow too much.GingivitisGingivitis is inflammation of the gums.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UlcersAn ulcer is a crater-like sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers form when the top layers of skin or tissue have been removed. They can occur ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Things that increase your risk of trench mouth include:Emotional stress (such as studying for exams) StressStress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Poor oral hygiene Oral hygieneTooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Poor nutrition Smoking Weak immune system Throat, tooth, or mouth infections Trench mouth is rare. When it does occur, it most often affects people ages 15 to 35. Symptoms Symptoms of trench mouth often begin suddenly. They include:Bad breath Bad breathBreath odor is the scent of the air you breathe out of your mouth. Unpleasant breath odor is commonly called bad breath.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crater-like ulcers between the teeth Fever Foul taste in the mouth Gums appear red and swollen Grayish film on the gums Painful gums Severe gum bleeding in response to any pressure or irritation Exams and Tests The health care provider will look into your mouth for signs of trench mouth, including:Crater-like ulcers filled with plaque and food debris Destruction of gum tissue around the teeth Inflamed gums There may be a gray film caused by broken down gum tissue. In some cases, there may be fever and swollen lymph nodes of the head and neck.Dental x-rays or x-rays of the face may be taken to determine how severe the infection is and how much tissue has been destroyed.Dental x-raysDental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article This disease may also be tested for by using a throat swab culture.Throat swab cultureA throat swab culture is a laboratory test that is done to identify germs that may cause infection in the throat. It is most often used to diagnose ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and relieve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics if you have a fever.Good oral hygiene is vital to the treatment of trench mouth. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, or after each meal and at bedtime, if possible.Salt-water rinses (one half teaspoon or 3 grams of salt in 1 cup or 240 milliliters of water) may soothe sore gums. Hydrogen peroxide, used to rinse the gums, is often recommended to remove dead or dying gum tissue. Chlorhexidine rinse will help with gum inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce your discomfort. Soothing rinses or coating agents may reduce pain, especially before eating. You may apply lidocaine to your gums for severe pain.Pain relieversOver-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help relieve pain or lower a fever. Over-the-counter means you can buy these medicines without a prescript...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You may be asked to visit a dentist or dental hygienist to have your teeth professionally cleaned and to have the plaque removed, once your gums feel less tender. You may need to get numb for the cleaning. You may need frequent dental cleaning and examinations until the disorder is cleared.To prevent the condition from coming back, your provider may give you instructions on how to:Maintain good general health, including proper nutrition and exercise Maintain good oral hygiene Reduce stress Stop smokingAvoid irritants such as smoking and hot or spicy foods. Outlook (Prognosis) The infection usually responds to treatment. The disorder can be quite painful until it is treated. If trench mouth is not treated promptly, the infection can spread to the cheeks, lips, or jawbone. It can destroy these tissues. Possible Complications Complications of trench mouth include:Dehydration Weight loss Loss of teeth Pain PainPeriodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gum infection (periodontitis) PeriodontitisPeriodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spread of infection When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact a dentist if you have symptoms of trench mouth, or if fever or other new symptoms develop. Prevention Preventive measures include:Good general health Good nutrition Good oral hygiene, including thorough tooth brushing and flossing Learning ways to cope with stress Regular professional dental cleaning and exams Stopping smokingOpen ReferencesReferencesChow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 64.Simon L, Silk H. Diseases of the mouth. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2022. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:1048-1053.James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Disorders of the mucous membranes. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 34.AllVideoImagesTogDental anatomy - illustration The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can have a profound effect on tooth shape, tooth color, time of appearance, or absence of teeth.Dental anatomyillustrationMouth anatomy - illustration The mouth is the origination of the digestive tract. The teeth and salivary glands aid in breaking down food for digestion. The tonsils aid against infections.Mouth anatomyillustrationDental anatomy - illustration The appearance of normal teeth varies, especially the molars. Abnormally shaped teeth can result from many different conditions. Specific diseases can have a profound effect on tooth shape, tooth color, time of appearance, or absence of teeth.Dental anatomyillustrationMouth anatomy - illustration The mouth is the origination of the digestive tract. The teeth and salivary glands aid in breaking down food for digestion. The tonsils aid against infections.Mouth anatomyillustrationRelated Information Gingivitis(Condition)Ulcers(Symptoms)Dental care - adult(Special Topic)Stress and your health(Symptoms)Periodontitis(Condition)Periodontal Disease - InDepth(In-Depth)Anxiety disorders - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/24/2022 Reviewed By: Michael Kapner, DDS, General Dentistry, Norwalk Medical Center, Norwalk CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Trench mouthVincent's stomatitis; Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG); Vincent diseaseTrench mouth is an infection that causes swelling (inflammation) and ulcers in the gums (gingivae). The term trench mouth comes from World War I, when this infection was common among soldiers "in the trenches." Causes Trench mouth is a painful form of gum swelling (gingivitis). The mouth normally contains a balance of different bacteria. Trench mouth occurs when there is too much pathologic bacteria. The gums become infected and develop painful ulcers. Viruses may be involved in allowing the bacteria to grow too much.GingivitisGingivitis is inflammation of the gums.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UlcersAn ulcer is a crater-like sore on the skin or mucous membrane. Ulcers form when the top layers of skin or tissue have been removed. They can occur ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Things that increase your risk of trench mouth include:Emotional stress (such as studying for exams) StressStress is a feeling of emotional or physical tension. It can come from any event or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or nervous. Stres...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Poor oral hygiene Oral hygieneTooth decay and gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky combination of bacteria and food. Plaque begins to build up on teeth within a few minutes...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Poor nutrition Smoking Weak immune system Throat, tooth, or mouth infections Trench mouth is rare. When it does occur, it most often affects people ages 15 to 35. Symptoms Symptoms of trench mouth often begin suddenly. They include:Bad breath Bad breathBreath odor is the scent of the air you breathe out of your mouth. Unpleasant breath odor is commonly called bad breath.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crater-like ulcers between the teeth Fever Foul taste in the mouth Gums appear red and swollen Grayish film on the gums Painful gums Severe gum bleeding in response to any pressure or irritation Exams and Tests The health care provider will look into your mouth for signs of trench mouth, including:Crater-like ulcers filled with plaque and food debris Destruction of gum tissue around the teeth Inflamed gums There may be a gray film caused by broken down gum tissue. In some cases, there may be fever and swollen lymph nodes of the head and neck.Dental x-rays or x-rays of the face may be taken to determine how severe the infection is and how much tissue has been destroyed.Dental x-raysDental x-rays are a type of image of the teeth and mouth. X-rays are a form of high energy electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays penetrate the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article This disease may also be tested for by using a throat swab culture.Throat swab cultureA throat swab culture is a laboratory test that is done to identify germs that may cause infection in the throat. It is most often used to diagnose ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and relieve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe antibiotics if you have a fever.Good oral hygiene is vital to the treatment of trench mouth. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, or after each meal and at bedtime, if possible.Salt-water rinses (one half teaspoon or 3 grams of salt in 1 cup or 240 milliliters of water) may soothe sore gums. Hydrogen peroxide, used to rinse the gums, is often recommended to remove dead or dying gum tissue. Chlorhexidine rinse will help with gum inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers may reduce your discomfort. Soothing rinses or coating agents may reduce pain, especially before eating. You may apply lidocaine to your gums for severe pain.Pain relieversOver-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help relieve pain or lower a fever. Over-the-counter means you can buy these medicines without a prescript...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You may be asked to visit a dentist or dental hygienist to have your teeth professionally cleaned and to have the plaque removed, once your gums feel less tender. You may need to get numb for the cleaning. You may need frequent dental cleaning and examinations until the disorder is cleared.To prevent the condition from coming back, your provider may give you instructions on how to:Maintain good general health, including proper nutrition and exercise Maintain good oral hygiene Reduce stress Stop smokingAvoid irritants such as smoking and hot or spicy foods. Outlook (Prognosis) The infection usually responds to treatment. The disorder can be quite painful until it is treated. If trench mouth is not treated promptly, the infection can spread to the cheeks, lips, or jawbone. It can destroy these tissues. Possible Complications Complications of trench mouth include:Dehydration Weight loss Loss of teeth Pain PainPeriodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Gum infection (periodontitis) PeriodontitisPeriodontitis is inflammation and infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Spread of infection When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact a dentist if you have symptoms of trench mouth, or if fever or other new symptoms develop. Prevention Preventive measures include:Good general health Good nutrition Good oral hygiene, including thorough tooth brushing and flossing Learning ways to cope with stress Regular professional dental cleaning and exams Stopping smokingOpen ReferencesReferencesChow AW. Infections of the oral cavity, neck, and head. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 64.Simon L, Silk H. Diseases of the mouth. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2022. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:1048-1053.James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Disorders of the mucous membranes. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 34.