Trench mouth, an oral condition known to be caused by poor oral cleanliness practices got its name during the First World War. Soldiers in combat who have stayed in trenches for long periods of time do not have the ability to properly take care of their teeth given their situation thus getting gum infections. That is where the term trench mouth started. Apart from inadequate oral hygiene, trench mouth, also known as necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) can be triggered by insufficient nutrition and low immune system.
A trench mouth symptom is painful gums despite slight pressure to the gums. Brushing will apply force to the gums and so is eating. So when you notice that your gums are sore when eating, it could be a symptom of NUG. Another symptom is red and bleeding gums. Sometimes there is a noticeable gray film on the gums, sign of dead tissues eaten up by the bacteria. Gums could also swell up.
Other symptoms of trench mouth are ulcers on oral tissues, including the gums. These are painful lesions containing food particles and plaque. You would also become aware of a putrid breath and traces of foul taste. Fever could break and you may notice the lymph nodes around the neck and head could be swollen, however this is on a case to case basis.
The ideal dental health is achievable and gum infections can be avoided if we practice meticulously three steps to good oral hygiene. These procedures are brushing, flossing and rinsing the mouth with an approved mouth wash, preferable one that does not have alcohol content as this triggers bacteria growth. One has to avoid alcohol drinks as well as carbonated beverages. Sweets are also not advisable as these mean feasts for the microbes. Also have a proper eating habit by eating a well balance diet. A healthy body will be able to ward any infections trying to invade the system.
Some people have the risk of trench mouth due to a stressful life. The stress level in the body alerts antibodies to work overtime thus immune system gets low. And more often than not, people tend to puff a cigarette when they are stressed. Smoking is another factor that can start up gum issues because of the number of bacteria it invites. In order to avoid getting afflicted by trench mouth, prevention is the way to go. This eliminates costly treatments. But bear in mind to consult your dentist for any signs of gum infections for a fitting treatment.
