The term Trench Mouth is from WWI. Trench warfare was stressful because soldiers waited around before going over the top. There was no running water, no toothpaste and lots of stress. Many soldiers developed this type of gingivitis and had bad breath from rotting gum surfaces. The dead gum is attacked and infected. The gum in between the teeth is lost so you see in between the teeth (punched out papillas). In normal patients the gums in between the teeth cover the sides of the teeth so you can't see them. These patients have badly painful and bleeding gums. The surface of the gums may appear grey from dying tissue.

           Trench Mouth appears with emotional or medical stress. College students often develop it during finals and people breaking up with friends can get it. The onset of some medical conditions such as HIV infection can cause it. People who smoke, have poor nutrition, and who have dental infections are susceptible. Regardless of the cause, it should be treated by a dentist and the cause found.

          Trench Mouth patients are placed on tetracycline for a week before touching the gums. Salt water and hydrogen peroxide rinses help sooth the painful gums. Patients return the following week and have an aggressive cleaning removing as much calculus and plaque as possible. In a few weeks it's determined if scaling and root planing is needed. All treatment is aimed at eliminating the infection and preventing the dental problem from returning. If left untreated it can spread to the lips and throat and possibly harm the underlying jaw bone. The damage after an infection can later lead to Periodontal Disease or tooth loss.

             The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. They offer comprehensive General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry including periodontal treatment. If you have Trench Mouth and would like to free dental consultation with our senior Georgia Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.