Trench mouth is a painful gum infection that causes swelling and ulcers. MedlinePlus says the name dates to World War I, when it was common among soldiers “in the trenches.” It’s rare today, but it comes on suddenly and needs prompt care. Treatment usually works.
What causes it
MedlinePlus explains that the mouth normally has a balance of bacteria. Trench mouth occurs when there’s an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, and viruses may help that happen. The gums become infected and develop painful ulcers. It most often affects people ages 15 to 35.
Risk factors
- emotional stress, such as studying for exams
- poor oral hygiene and poor nutrition
- smoking. See smoking, vaping and oral health.
- weak immune system
- throat, tooth or mouth infections
Symptoms
Symptoms often start suddenly. MedlinePlus lists:
- painful, red, swollen gums
- crater-like ulcers between the teeth
- severe gum bleeding with any pressure
- a grayish film on the gums
- bad breath and foul taste. See bad breath causes.
- fever
Diagnosis
A provider looks for ulcers filled with plaque and debris, destroyed gum tissue around teeth and inflamed gums. There may be fever and swollen lymph nodes. X-rays may show how much tissue is affected, and a mouth or throat swab may be taken (MedlinePlus).
Treatment
The goals are to cure the infection and relieve symptoms. MedlinePlus describes:
- Antibiotics if you have a fever.
- Thorough oral hygiene: brush and floss at least twice a day, or after each meal and at bedtime.
- Rinses: warm salt water (one-half teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) to soothe gums, hydrogen peroxide to remove dead tissue, and chlorhexidine for inflammation.
- Pain relief: over-the-counter pain relievers, soothing rinses or coating agents before meals, and lidocaine on the gums for severe pain.
- Professional cleaning once gums are less tender, possibly with numbing, and frequent cleanings and exams until it clears.
See dental cleaning cost and deep cleanings for what cleanings involve.
Outlook and complications
MedlinePlus says the infection usually responds to treatment but can be quite painful until treated. Untreated, it can spread to the cheeks, lips or jawbone and destroy tissue. Complications include dehydration, weight loss, tooth loss, periodontitis and spread of infection.
Prevention
MedlinePlus recommends good general health and nutrition, thorough brushing and flossing, learning to cope with stress, regular professional cleanings and exams, stopping smoking, and avoiding irritants such as hot or spicy foods.
When to contact a dentist
Contact a dentist if you have symptoms of trench mouth, or if fever or other new symptoms develop (MedlinePlus).
Frequently asked questions
Is trench mouth the same as gingivitis?
MedlinePlus calls it a painful form of gingivitis, with infection and ulcers. See gum disease signs.
Will I need antibiotics?
MedlinePlus says a provider may prescribe them if you have a fever. Cleaning and hygiene are central to treatment.
Sources
By the Dentist Review Editorial Team.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to a licensed dentist about your own situation. See our disclaimer.
Featured image: “Airman provides dental care to Salvadoran during 'Beyond the Horizon 2011' DVIDS388730” by Spc. Victor Joecks, via Wikimedia Commons, in the public domain. Resized and compressed for the web.
Our guides are written and reviewed by the Dentist Review editorial team. We research each topic using public, authoritative sources such as the CDC, the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NIDCR), the American Dental Association (ADA) and CMS, and we update guides when guidance changes. Guides are for general information only and are not dental or medical advice; please read our disclaimer and learn more about us.