Question: What is Trench Mouth?
Answer:
Trench mouth is a painful and severe gum infection. This infection occurs because of high bacteria levels in the mouth, usually from poor oral hygiene. Trench mouth can also be caused from lack of sleep, stress and / or poor nutrition. Trench mouth occurs more in smokers than non-smokers.
The name “trench mouth” comes from World War I, where soldiers were stuck in trenches without the means to take care of their mouth and teeth. Trench mouth is also known as Vincent's Stomatitis or Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis, hence the acronym ANUG.
While trench mouth is rare and not contagious, it can be extremely painful and will only worsen without treatment. If treatment is not sought, the infection may travel to other parts of the body. Antibiotics, along with a professional dental cleaning, can usually clear the infection from trench mouth.
Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular checkups are the best way to prevent trench mouth.
Sources:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; Merck & Co., Inc. 12 August 2007.
