Trench Mouth: What You Should Know

Trench mouth, also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, is a severe form of gum disease. It’s also sometimes referred to as Vincent disease or Vincent’s stomatitis. While it’s more common in people under 24, it’s a fairly rare condition overall.

The name for the disease, trench mouth, originated during World War I, when the condition was common among soldiers in the trenches. 

This article looks at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for this serious stage of gum disease. 

Causes

The main cause of trench mouth is the presence of excess bacteria. However, experts don’t quite know the exact mechanisms behind why this condition develops. 

You’re more likely to develop trench mouth if you:

• Don’t practice proper oral hygiene
• Have a poor diet and vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• Have existing oral infections
• Are a smoker
• Have high levels of stress
• Have a weakened immune system
  

Symptoms

Possible symptoms of trench mouth may include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Redness of the gums
• Pain in the gums
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Gray color on the gums
• Very bad breath
• Sores on the gums
• Loss of gums between teeth
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
  

People with trench mouth may also have a severe buildup of plaque.

Diagnosis

A dentist will typically be the one to diagnose trench mouth during a dental exam. The dentist may take X-rays to check whether the infection has damaged any underlying tissue. They can also use throat swabs to diagnose this kind of infection. 

Treatment

Keeping the disease from progressing is the main goal of treatment. Because trench mouth is a serious form of gum disease, improving nutrition and oral care may not be enough to stop the disease from getting worse.

A dentist may also recommend:

• Surgery to get rid of dead or damaged tissue
• Medication for pain relief
• Antibiotics or other medications to treat any infection present 
• Lidocaine gel to soothe severe gum pain
• A prescription mouthwash consisting of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate

Treatment will also usually involve addressing the underlying issue contributing to trench mouth. Often, this involves improving dental hygiene. For some, treatment may involve improving nutrition.

Prevention

You can limit your risk of developing trench mouth by:

• Keeping good oral hygiene habits like regularly brushing your teeth
• Going to the dentist on a regular basis 
• Eating a healthy diet that meets your nutritional needs
• Managing your stress levels
  

Summary 

Trench mouth is a serious stage of gum disease that can be painful and cause symptoms that disrupt your life. A dentist can diagnose trench mouth by doing an oral exam. 

Treatment usually involves a combination of strategies to help prevent the disease from getting worse. Your dentist may recommend medication, surgery, or other options to help treat trench mouth.

A Word From Verywell

If you have this serious form of gum disease, you may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. Don’t let these feelings stop you from seeking treatment. Without treatment, symptoms will get worse. A dentist can help treat the disease and alleviate symptoms that are causing you undue stress and anxiety.