Trench mouth

Definition

Trench mouth, also known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), is a severe gum infection characterized by the rapid onset of pain, bleeding, and ulceration of the gums. It is commonly associated with poor oral hygiene, stress, smoking, and malnutrition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Trench mouth is often caused by a combination of anaerobic bacteria, including Fusobacterium and spirochetes like Treponema.
2. Symptoms include sudden onset of painful gums, bleeding, bad breath (halitosis), and grayish film on the gums.
3. Risk factors for trench mouth include poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, malnutrition, and immunosuppression.
4. Treatment typically involves professional dental cleaning to remove necrotic tissue and antibiotics such as metronidazole or penicillin to control bacterial infection.
5. If left untreated, trench mouth can lead to serious complications such as tooth loss and the spread of infection to other parts of the body.

Review Questions

Related terms

Gingivitis:

A mild form of gum infection that causes redness and swelling.

Periodontitis:

A severe gum infection that damages soft tissue and destroys the bone supporting teeth.

Halitosis:

Chronic bad breath usually caused by poor oral hygiene or underlying health issues.