Trench mouth is a painful type of gum swelling. It occurs when there are too many mouth bacteria in which case they cause gum infection.
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Trench mouth disease can be very painful for the patient and if left untreated it can result in the loss of teeth and the spread of the infection to other tissues. Trench mouth is a health condition that usually occurs in people under age of 35.
People suffering from trench mouth generally have swollen red gums that bleed when pressured. There can also be a grey film over the gums as the result of the decay of the soft tissues of the gums. Trench mouth can be diagnosed by ulcerations between the teeth that form craters. Those craters destroy the tissue between the teeth and form pockets of infection that can result in damage to the underlying bone and ligaments.
The causes for trench mouth, along with bacteria, are poor nutrition, smoking, poor hygiene and stress. People that use mouth extensively in their job, such as teachers or presenters, are in greater risk for getting that uncomfortable condition. This condition can lead to other complications such as Periodontitis which may result in the destruction of bone, ligaments, and the loss of teeth.
Pain and swelling that follow trench mouth is often treated with over-the-counter pain medications. The best treatment for trench mouth is good hygiene, in other words frequent brushing and dental cleaning. Another thing that can help is rinsing the mouth with salt water which reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth.
Another strategy to ease the pain and swelling is to use ice packs to numb and reduce swelling. Put ice in a towel and place it against the cheek or jaw. Antibiotics are often prescribed to fight infection, in particular when fever is present. Dental treatments include cleaning and scraping to eliminate plaque. This is generally not done until the infection is reduced, and swelling and pain have been diminished.
Extreme stress, a typical business-oriented problem, has been linked to the incidence of trench mouth. So, it is recommended that stress relieving techniques are integrated in the lifestyle of persons susceptible to this disease. A regular oral hygiene is very beneficial. This should include brushing with a soft bristled brush, flossing and professional cleaning once a year.
Good nutrition that includes fresh vegetables and fruits is recommended to people who have risk of trench mouth. There is some evidence that too much spicy food may be risky for people who are experiencing gum problems, as they may cause irritation of tender tissue.
Trench mouth is a disease for which there is no single cure. If left untreated, there are many dangerous conditions that may occur. So, if you notice swollen, bleeding or very touch-sensitive gums, go and see your doctor immediately. ■