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Trench mouth

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Vincent's stomatitis; Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis

Treatment:

The goals of treatment are cure of the infection and relief of symptoms. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics if you have a fever.

Good oral hygiene is vital to the treatment of trench mouth. Thorough tooth brushing and flossing must be performed as often as possible, at least twice a day and preferably after each meal and at bedtime. Salt water rinses (one-half teaspoon of salt in one cup of water) may be soothing to sore gums. Hydrogen peroxide, used to rinse or irrigate the gums, is often recommended to remove decayed gum tissue.

Over-the-counter pain relievers (analgesics) may be used to reduce discomfort. Soothing rinses or coating agents may reduce pain, especially prior to eating. Viscous lidocaine may be used for severe pain.

You may be asked to visit a dentist or dental hygienist to have your teeth professionally cleaned, with thorough plaque removal, once your gums feel less tender. Dental cleaning and examination may be recommended on a regular, frequent basis until the disorder is cleared.

You may be given instructions regarding methods to stop smoking, reduce stress, maintain good oral hygiene, or other steps to prevent this condition from recurring. You may also be advised on how to maintain good general health, including proper nutrition and rest balanced with exercise.

Irritants must be avoided, including smoking and hot or spicy foods.

Expectations (prognosis):

The infection usually responds to treatment. The disorder can be quite painful until it is treated. If trench mouth is untreated or treatment is delayed, the infection can spread to the cheeks, lips, or jawbone and destroy these tissues.

Complications:

• Pain
• Spread of infection
• Loss of teeth
• Periodontitis
• Dehydration

Calling your health care provider:

Call the dentist if symptoms of trench mouth occur, or if fever or other new symptoms develop in a person with this disorder.

• Review Date: 12/18/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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